Humanitarian Securitisation

A humanitarian crisis occurs within an arena of political crisis and humanitarian organisations are in existence to attend to the consequent needs of populations created by these crises. The political ramifications of the humanitarian act must be considered from the standpoints of both INGOs and states and a way found to theorise the relationship between these political actors. The relationship can be framed in various ways, but most often as a dichotomy between principles and politics mediated through discussions about identity. This paper uses the ‘friends and enemies’ distinction and the securitisation perspective to better understand this relationship. The case study of the MSF-Holland and the Government of Sri Lanka 2006-2009 is explored. Focus is placed on process, audience, and discourse—how the relationship is actually constructed in practice. The perspectives of pragmatism—action versus discourse; temporality—routine versus state of exception securitisation; and agency—who securitises, are employed.