Syllabus: GS Paper 4 – Ethical issues in international relations and funding
Applications where to apply?
When asked about
– Ethics in aid
– International Ethics
– Ethics of war
Context: Humanitarian crises, such as the acute food insecurity in Gaza, pose ethical dilemmas when political agendas obstruct aid delivery.
Source: The Hindu | Editorial dated 28th March 2024
The politics of humanitarian aid
The politicization of humanitarian aid in conflict zones raises profound ethical concerns, as it involves the manipulation of vulnerable populations for political gain. When governments prioritize strategic interests over the basic needs of civilians, it not only undermines the principles of humanitarianism but also perpetuates suffering and injustice.
Examining recent events in Gaza and other conflict zones reveals the complex interplay between geopolitical agendas and ethical imperatives in humanitarian aid efforts.
The case of Gaza
The Gaza Strip is facing a severe humanitarian crisis following Israel-Hamas war.
- Famine and Food Insecurity: The war and ongoing blockade have caused food shortages. The UN reports nearly 1.3 million people are facing critical food insecurity, with some areas on the brink of famine.
- United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken says that “100 percent of the population in Gaza is at severe levels of acute food insecurity.
- Healthcare Collapse: Hospitals face shortages of medicine, supplies, and even electricity due to damaged infrastructure. This limits their ability to treat people effectively.
- Displacement: The fighting displaced millions of people within Gaza, straining resources and making it difficult to deliver aid.
United Nations Relief and Works Agency(UNRWA)’s humanitarian aid was blocked following allegations of Hamas involvement in UNRWA’s functioning . Defunding UNRWA may undermine Palestinian refugee recognition and the right of return, aligning with Israeli demands. This is a clear case of aid based on geopolitical considerations.
Other instances of Aid based on Geopolitics
- Syria: Syria has been ravaged by a prolonged civil war, resulting in widespread destruction, displacement, and humanitarian suffering.
- In Syria, following unsuccessful attempts by the United States, Turkey, Western nations, and Gulf supporters to oust President Bashar al-Assad, they have resorted to using aid as a political tool.
- This involves deploying their troops in northern Syria and controlling the distribution of aid, limiting it to Syrians within areas under their influence, often at checkpoints they control.
- Yemen: Yemen has been facing one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, primarily due to the ongoing civil war and conflict between Houthi rebels and the internationally recognized government, supported by a Saudi-led coalition.
- The conflict has resulted in widespread displacement, food insecurity, and health crises. Access to humanitarian aid is similar to the case of Syria
- Ethiopia: In Ethiopia, humanitarian access has been hampered by conflict and insecurity in regions such as Tigray, where the Ethiopian government has been engaged in a military operation against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).
- The conflict has led to widespread displacement, food insecurity, and reports of human rights abuses.
- Since the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) was backed by the West, humanitarian aid was used as a tool to subject the Ethiopian government to political pressure.
- Sudan: In Sudan, internal conflict has hindered humanitarian access.
- Nearly 25 million Sudanese, including 14 million children, wait for elusive external aid as internal conflict rages on and barely 5% of estimated funding requirement has been met so far.
Ethical Perspective
Humanitarian aid strives to deliver assistance based on need, not political agendas. However, politics are often deeply intertwined with humanitarian crises, creating a complex ethical landscape
- Challenge to Altruism: Humanitarian aid is ideally motivated by altruism, the desire to help others in need.
- Political considerations can introduce self-interest into the equation.
- Neutrality: A core principle of humanitarian action is neutrality, meaning avoiding involvement in political conflicts. Taking sides can endanger aid workers and make them targets. It can also alienate some populations in need, hindering their ability to receive aid.
- Impartiality: Humanitarian aid should be delivered impartially, meaning it goes to those who need it most, regardless of their political affiliation.
- Politically motivated aid may be directed towards specific groups based on political alliances rather than where the need is greatest. This undermines the core principle of fairness in humanitarian intervention.
- Undue Influence: Countries or organizations may use aid to exert undue influence over recipient countries, manipulating them to serve their own political agendas.
- Legitimacy of Regimes: Providing aid to repressive regimes can be seen as legitimizing their actions. This can discourage reform and make it harder to address the root causes of the crisis.
India as an ethical role model
India’s humanitarian interventions reflect a commitment to global solidarity and compassionate diplomacy:
Humanitarian Aid to Sri Lankan Tamils:
- In 2008, the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, under Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), sent 80,000 ‘family packets’ of food and clothes to displaced Sri Lankan Tamils.
- This aid was provided to civilians used as human shields by the retreating Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), demonstrating India’s concern for the welfare of Tamils affected by the conflict.
- The Indian government, in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross, ensured the distribution of aid to those in need, highlighting a coordinated humanitarian response.
COVID-19 Vaccine Diplomacy:
- Amid the global COVID-19 pandemic, India emerged as a key player in vaccine diplomacy, demonstrating solidarity with other nations.
- India provided vaccines to over 100 countries, including low and middle-income nations, showcasing a commitment to equitable access to healthcare.
- This humanitarian gesture resonated with the principles of compassion and cooperation, emphasizing India’s role as a responsible global actor in times of crisis.
Afghan crisis:
- India’s tenure in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) witnessed firsthand the politicization of humanitarian aid in conflict zones.
- Despite pressure from powerful nations to establish political relations with the Taliban, India prioritized humanitarian concerns, especially regarding the status of women in Afghanistan.
- India’s advocacy for principled engagement underscored the importance of upholding humanitarian imperatives amidst geopolitical complexities.
Conclusion:
The politicization of humanitarian aid poses significant ethical challenges, as it undermines the principles of compassion, solidarity, and human dignity. Upholding ethical imperatives requires governments to prioritize the well-being of vulnerable populations over political considerations and to ensure that humanitarian aid is delivered impartially, safely, and effectively. By reaffirming their commitment to ethical principles and international humanitarian law, policymakers can mitigate human suffering, promote peace, and advance the common good in conflict-affected regions.
Related Topics
Indian Red Cross Societ
- IRCS is a voluntary humanitarian organization to protect human life and health with the help of its network of over 1100 branches throughout India.
- It was established in 1920 and has completed its 100 years of existence.
- It is a part of the largest independent humanitarian organisation in the world, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
- Its mission is to provide relief at the time of disasters/emergencies and also promotes healthcare facilities among vulnerable people and communities.
- The President of India is the President and the Union Health Minister is the Chairman of the Society.
References:
Practice Question
Examine the ethical implications of politicizing humanitarian aid in conflict zones. [150 words]