The Humanitarian Exit Dilemma: The Moral Cost of Withdrawing Aid

This book explores the Humanitarian Exit Dilemma that confronts humanitarian organizations, highlighting three value-based normative considerations: humanitarian aid workers' special relationships with those they assist, humanitarian organizations' causal responsibility to assist those they have made vulnerable, and humanitarian organizations' obligations to fulfill reasonable expectations of those assisted. It offers a unique perspective on how humanitarian organizations should navigate the dilemma and will be of interest to scholars and practitioners in the field of Humanitarian Studies, African Studies, Refugee Studies, political philosophy, humanitarian action, and human rights.

Format: Hardback
Length: 142 pages
Publication date: 21 April 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

When humanitarian aid goes awry, how should humanitarian organizations respond? Should they stay and remain engaged with the needy, or should they withdraw and leave? This book delves into the complex "Humanitarian Exit Dilemma" that confronts these organizations. Humanitarian practitioners often focus solely on the outcome of their actions, neglecting other equally important moral considerations. To address this issue, the book highlights three value-based normative considerations: the special relationships between humanitarian aid workers and the people they assist, the causal responsibility of humanitarian organizations to help those they have made vulnerable, and the obligations of humanitarian organizations to fulfill reasonable expectations of those they assist. These three non-instrumental reasonings form the core of the author's value-based normative account, known as the "Non-Consequentialist Approach," which offers a unique perspective on how humanitarian organizations should navigate the Humanitarian Exit Dilemma.

This book will be of interest to scholars and practitioners in the fields of Humanitarian Studies, African Studies, Refugee Studies, political philosophy, humanitarian action, and human rights. It provides valuable insights into the ethical dilemmas faced by humanitarian organizations and offers practical solutions to address the Humanitarian Exit Dilemma. By examining the choices involved and the judgments required when tackling these questions, the book contributes to the ongoing discussion on the role of humanitarian organizations in responding to crises and ensuring the well-being of vulnerable populations.

Weight: 306g
Dimension: 222 x 141 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032307954