Impact of politics on humanitarian aid: The politics of humanitarian aid

Source: The post impact of politics on humanitarian aid has been created, based on the article “The politics of humanitarian aid” published in “The Hindu” on 28th March 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-International Relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s Interests.

News: The article discusses how politics often interferes with humanitarian aid in conflict zones.

How does the UN Security Council view humanitarian aid?

Selective Enforcement: The UN Security Council’s approach to humanitarian aid appears inconsistent. While it calls for aid in Gaza, the U.S.’s abstention and labeling the resolution as non-binding suggest a selective enforcement of aid policies.

Inadequate Action in Conflict Zones: Despite acknowledging the need for humanitarian aid in areas like Syria, Yemen, and Ethiopia, the Council’s actions are often limited by political interests of member states, resulting in insufficient aid delivery.

Use of Aid as a Diplomatic Tool: The Council’s decisions sometimes reflect the use of aid as a tool for diplomatic leverage, as seen in the case of Afghanistan where aid was provided without significant progress on women’s rights.

For information on UN resolution on the ceasefire in Gaza read here

What role does India play in providing humanitarian aid?

Aid to Sri Lanka: In 2008, India, under the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government, sent food and clothes to displaced Sri Lankan Tamil civilians. This act was both humanitarian and a political message of solidarity.

Continued Support: In 2022, Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin, sent significant food and medical aid to Sri Lanka during its economic crisis, demonstrating India’s ongoing commitment to providing humanitarian assistance.

Global Contribution During COVID-19: India extended its humanitarian efforts globally by sending vaccines to over 100 countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing its capability and willingness to support international humanitarian causes.

What is the impact of politics on humanitarian aid?

U.S. Funding Decisions: The U.S. Congress halted funding to the UN agency assisting Palestinians, highlighting how political decisions directly impact humanitarian aid distribution.

Gaza’s Crisis: In Gaza, political interests led to restricted aid delivery, including a tragic incident where Israeli soldiers killed Palestinians waiting for food, demonstrating the severe consequences of politicizing aid.

Civilian Casualties and Suffering: The shooting of Palestinians by Israeli soldiers while waiting for food aid in Gaza highlights the severe consequences of politicizing humanitarian aid, leading to direct harm to civilians in need.

Question for practice:

Analyse the impact of politics on the distribution of humanitarian aid in conflict zones.