Reflections from the Experiences of the Humanitarian Reform Officer
Tyler, Dan. Reflections from the Experiences of the Humanitarian Reform Officer. (Geneva: ICVA, 2012). https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/57a08b2a40f0b652dd000b34/ethiopia-lessons.pdf.
This piece was written by Dan Tyler, an Officer of the NGOs and Humanitarian Reform Project, a United Nations initiative designed to increase the capacities and robustness of the global humanitarian sector in the mid-2000s. Written in 2010, this article details the humanitarian situation in Ethiopia and gives analysis and recommendations on how to address what could be seen as a difficult humanitarian climate in the country. The author highlights the historical disconnect between humanitarian and development structures in Ethiopia, though their goals are mixed with political agendas amid complex government structures. He goes on to describe how the complexities of the Ethiopian government’s response to humanitarian aid and their interactions with NGOs make it difficult to establish a clear path forward for reform. The primary obstacle to overcome in this situation is that of humanitarian coordination. Tyler demonstrates the importance of increasing the credibility of institutions that facilitate NGO collaboration through the inclusion of more NGO voices, donors, and increased dialogue with governments. Increased interaction within these structures will facilitate trust-building and information sharing that is essential to making change happen for the people that need it. This report highlights the complexities of peacebuilding on an international scale and how existing structures can be utilised to achieve peace. Tyler’s idea of coordination through trust and information sharing relates to other peacebuilding literature that applies these same concepts to grassroots initiatives as well as interpersonal peace.
Available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/57a08b2a40f0b652dd000b34/ethiopia-lessons.pdf.