Main speaker: Marc DuBois, Consulting Expert on Humanitarian Principles, PHAP

In September and October 2015, PHAP is organizing a special series of live online discussions structured around the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence. As part of the association’s support to the World Humanitarian Summit process, the focus of these events is less on theoretical definitions and more on the operational implications of these principles. The aim is not to “consult” directly on the principles, but rather to discuss – within the context of the principles – a series of problematic issues that have come under debate in the larger Summit consultation process.

This opening session acts as an introduction to the ensuing four events on the individual principles. It will ensure that participants understand the nature of the challenges and dilemmas involved in translating principles into operational decisions. The session will delineate the practical implications of the principles for humanitarian actors and highlight the central role of principles in interactions with government, military, and other actors. It will also emphasize the interrelationship among the four principles, providing a basis for the next sessions, which will focus in on issues that are primarily related to each of the four principles individually.

The event builds on PHAP’s learning session earlier this year, which focused on the how the core humanitarian principles relate to international humanitarian law.

For more info, resources, and assessments for PHAP members, visit https://phap.org/OLS-HLP-6