Panel details

Panel organiser(s) will be presenting	In-Person / Online
Number of paper presentations	4
Location	Bergen

Abstract

Ideally, humanitarian action includes a wide variety of people. After all, different people have different needs and good humanitarian action should be impartial and therefore needs-based. However, in daily practice, participation and inclusion have always posed challenges to humanitarian actors. In particular, groups who have historically been underrepresented, especially those who have been subject to discrimination based on their identity or disability. The recent draconian budget cuts to international aid hamper humanitarian action, but in all likelihood especially activities for those people that were already underrepresented. In addition, DEI programs are increasingly being criticized and fought by conservative and extremist groups. At the moment, more evidence is needed on how or to what extent DEI efforts are being implemented and contested. This roundtable will address any related issues, including one or more of the following questions: What have been the experiences of DEI efforts in humanitarian action in recent years? What impact have they had? How are they adapting – or should they adapt – to the latest reshaping of the humanitarian landscape? How and where are they being (or are they likely to be) reformulated, downsized or shut down? How are opponents attacking DEI, what alternatives are they proposing and what would the impact be on marginalized groups? How have various actors defended DEI efforts and to what degree of success?

The roundtable welcomes contributions from a variety of approaches, including case studies and more theoretical discussions. Proposals should summarize what the potential participant would like to focus on in their remarks. No written paper will be required.

Paper presentations