Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of the module, students should be able to:
• List and describe the four humanitarian principles;
• Differentiate humanitarian action from other types of international aid and critically analyse the evolution in humanitarian thinking;
• Describe the Irish Humanitarian community and suggest reasons for similarities and difference between organisations in this community;
• Identify the main legal, political, social, and cultural characteristics and challenges of contemporary humanitarian interventions;
• Analyse the key characteristics of humanitarian stakeholders that make them uniquely humanitarian.
Indicative Module Content:
This introductory module includes the following content:
• Defining humanitarian action - what it is and what it is not.
• The history and evolution of humanitarian action.
• The ‘International Humanitarian System’ – how it is governed and managed.
• International and national legal frameworks shaping humanitarian interventions.
• Geopolitical issues and challenges for contemporary humanitarian action.
• Cultural and social issues to enhance the relevance and effectiveness of humanitarian action.
• Contemporary humanitarian interventions and impacts – will vary each year e.g. Gaza, Ukraine, South Sudan, Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons.
• The Irish Humanitarian System – introduction to some of the main NGOs.