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Humanitarian principles amidst challenging realities: dilemmas faced by local aid workers in Arab conflict zones

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  • Ghassan Elkahlout

Abstract

This study investigates the ethical and operational challenges local aid providers face in conflict-affected Arab states, emphasising the tension between humanitarian principles and local realities. Based on 40 semi-structured interviews and an extensive literature review, it examines how localisation efforts heighten dilemmas surrounding neutrality, impartiality, and independence. While local humanitarians are deeply committed to humanitarian values, the complexities of politically fragmented environments often make these principles aspirational rather than achievable. Neutrality is frequently contested with perceptions of bias exacerbated by sociopolitical pressures. Similarly, independence and impartiality are undermined by donor agendas, armed groups, and cultural expectations. The findings advocate for a context-sensitive approach that balances global humanitarian ideals with local realities, fostering adaptive and inclusive responses in complex conflict settings.

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  • Ghassan Elkahlout, 2025. "Humanitarian principles amidst challenging realities: dilemmas faced by local aid workers in Arab conflict zones," Development in Practice, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 35(5), pages 737-747, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:cdipxx:v:35:y:2025:i:5:p:737-747
    DOI: 10.1080/09614524.2025.2489565
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