Wilson Quarterly

In a world facing many humanitarian crises, it’s crucial to rethink our approach to migration, says Amy Pope, Director General of IOM - UN Migration. In her essay, Pope argues that migration must be part of the solution rather than considered merely an outcome of displacement.? “What is missing from the conversation is a more comprehensive understanding of the humanitarian crises driving migration, how to support communities impacted by migration, and ultimately how to use migration as a tool to address some of the most pressing global challenges,” she writes. ? She goes on to describe strategies for supporting communities impacted by migration and how we can use migration to tackle crucial global challenges.? “Long-term, legal, and regular labor migration pathways can not only support economic development in countries of destination and origin, they can also provide safe alternatives to dangerous journeys.” Learn more in the fall ‘24 issue of the Wilson Quarterly: Confronting Unprecedented Humanitarian Needs https://lnkd.in/gJeV_4PU?? #HumanitarianAid #Migration #HumanDisplacement #Refugees

As humanitarian crises continue to grow, the risks faced by women and newborns are increasingly alarming. In this feature, Sarah Barnes, MPH of the Wilson Center | Maternal Health Initiative engages with maternal and newborn health experts from the Inter-Agency Working Group on Reproductive Health in Crises to uncover what aspects of care require more focus in humanitarian emergencies.?? ? Contributors include Jihan Salad and Claudia Donkor from United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Dr. Mushtaq Khan of the International Rescue Committee, Deborah Denis, Hani Rukh-E-Qamar, midwife Harriet Ruysen, and Rondi Anderson of Project HOPE. They discuss the often misunderstood and under-researched areas of maternal and newborn health. Together, they shed light on the urgent need for tailored responses to protect the most vulnerable during crises.?? ? Read more in the fall ‘24 issue of the Wilson Quarterly: Confronting Unprecedented Humanitarian Needs.?? #HumanitarianAid #MaternalNewbornHealth #RMNH https://lnkd.in/gcwXR3_7?

Amid ongoing conflicts, the laws of war play a vital role in protecting human dignity and ensuring humanitarian assistance reaches those in need. Fabrizio Carboni, the Head of the International Committee of the Red Cross - ICRC's Regional Delegation to the United States and Canada, draws on real-life experiences from his time overseeing humanitarian efforts in the Middle East, to demonstrate how disregarding international humanitarian law leads to a cycle of death, destruction, and displacement. “At that moment my world went silent. It wasn’t a scene of bombs or missing limbs, but something far more devastating in its simplicity. It was a haunting reflection of how civilians are often abandoned in conflict, left without basic support they need to survive—or even die—with dignity,” he writes?about his time in northeast Syria, during the battle of Baghouz. Carboni highlights the significance of these laws in facilitating immediate humanitarian relief and fostering long-term conflict resolution. “The stark gap between the ideals of international humanitarian law and the reality of war is alarming. Violations of these laws erode trust not only between communities and those armed with weapons, but also between humanitarian organizations and those they seek to assist." Importantly, Carboni, whose leadership spans decades, offers thoughts on how humanitarian workers and others can help to ensure that the laws of war are respected. “For those of us on the ground, our role extends beyond providing immediate aid. We must shed light on the consequences of warfare and advocate persistently for the protection of humanitarian principles—even when they seem distant.”? With more than 120 armed conflicts raging across the world, Carboni's insights come at an important time. Read more in the fall ‘24 issue of the Wilson Quarterly: Confronting Unprecedented Humanitarian Needs.? #HumanitarianAid #Conflict #LawsofWar https://lnkd.in/dMy8mFgJ?

In a rapidly changing world, the humanitarian assistance sector faces new challenges and opportunities. In this video feature, USAID veteran and current Public Policy Fellow at The Wilson Center, Rob Jenkins moderates a discussion with Jamie McGoldrick, former UN resident coordinator for humanitarian affairs, and Nimo Hassan, Chair of the Somali NGO Consortium and ICVA (International Council of Voluntary Agencies) Board Chair.?Together, they examine how humanitarian assistance has evolved over the past decade. “The increasing presence of non-state actors and the very complex environments we work in make it difficult to gain humanitarian access. In Gaza and elsewhere, the process has become much more tiresome and tragic for humanitarian workers,” says McGoldrick. ? They explore what strategies have worked, what haven’t, and offer solutions for the growing need.? “At some point, when 80% of humanitarian assistance needs are caused by manmade conflicts and wars, we have to acknowledge that these issues won’t be resolved through airdrops but through negotiations,” asserts Jenkins. ? “We need to change our mindsets about traditional approaches in the UN to be more adaptive. The system must move faster to support communities in lifting themselves out of poverty rather than relying on top-down designs," says Hassan. Learn more in the fall ‘24 issue of the Wilson Quarterly: Confronting Unprecedented Humanitarian Needs #HumanitarianAid ? https://lnkd.in/gGb4dNCZ?

This photo essay, written and conceptualized by Amarachi Nwosu, featuring photography by Ifebusa Shotunde, Ugochukwu Emebiriodo, and Taiwo Aino, is one of many stories from the summer 2024 WQ that explore shifting global demographics. Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/gqiEMk2p

Faith-based organizations are uniquely positioned to provide humanitarian assistance, drawing on deep-held values and expansive global networks. In this Q&A, WQ editor Stephanie Bowen talks with Robert Hokanson of the Church of Latter-day Saints. Together, they explore the significant role that these organizations can play in responding to crises around the world.? “There is a common misperception that faith-based organizations compete with each other; in reality, we have a strong awareness of each other’s strengths and rely on each other," say Hokanson. ? Through partnerships with other faith-based organizations and collaborations with first responders, these groups mobilize their members and significant resources to support those most in need.?? ? Read more in the fall ‘24 issue of the Wilson Quarterly: Confronting Unprecedented Humanitarian Needs.??#HumanitarianAid #FaithBasedOrganization https://lnkd.in/eZpPvM9U

While much of the world watches the US elections today, we'd like to share some alternative content from our current issue. In this Q&A with Ambassador Mark Green and Keller Rinaudo Cliffton you will learn how #tech innovations and #publicprivatepartnerships come together to deliver #humanitarianaid and save lives. It also demonstrates that even in the most challenging situations, there is #hope. https://lnkd.in/gV_SGw7y

As #Spain contends with deadly #floods, Lauren Herzer Risi and Syed Imran Ali discuss how to build resiliency in the face of widening climate crises. "Today, climate chaos and conflict are driving an unprecedented global humanitarian crisis. More than 310 million people today need?urgent humanitarian assistance?and more than 120 million people (over 1.5% of the world’s population) are?forcibly displaced—the highest levels ever recorded. In the face of such overwhelming numbers, it becomes easy to lose sight of the human reality. We need to remember that each one of these numbers is a person with stories of loss, struggle, and resilience. We need to remember that people only leave their homes when there is no other choice, when to stay means they may not survive," says Ali. And it is that perspective that will help to bring solutions that will serve the needs of individuals and communities during crises, and build a resiliency that can make humanitarian response more fit for purpose. Out now in the current issue of Wilson Quarterly. https://lnkd.in/e_jV-y2v??

As the demand for humanitarian assistance continues to outpace supply, the aid sector finds itself increasingly overwhelmed. In this feature, Abby Stoddard, founding partner at Humanitarian Outcomes, presents a compelling look at the data and highlights the significant shifts in the humanitarian landscape over the past decade.? "When war breaks out or a major natural disaster occurs, they join an already long list of ongoing 'chronic crises' to which humanitarian agencies and donors are responding. These include complex emergencies—like those in Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, and South Sudan—which have seen coordinated emergency response plans year after year, going back decades. The result is a compounding list of emergency responses," writes Stoddard. Through crucial analysis and a keen look at the data, Stoddard sheds light on the growing number of complex humanitarian emergencies, the funding landscape, and the alarming rise in the number of aid workers killed. Her work highlights the urgent need for reform and innovation.?? ? Read more in the fall ‘24 issue of the Wilson Quarterly: Confronting Unprecedented Humanitarian Needs.? https://lnkd.in/gtFb2x2M

IOM Director General Amy Pope says we must rethink our approach to migration, and includes strategies on how to do that. Read her essay in the fall issue of the WQ and let us know what you think.