A wide array of humanitarian actors pledge to respect the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence when providing assistance and protection to populations affected by armed conflicts or disasters. These principles, however, are being embraced by an increasingly diverse group of actors with uneven understandings and applications. Faced with misinterpretations, distortions, politicization and sometimes blatant rejection, they are at the forefront of the ongoing humanitarian debate. Yet, in the words of Yves Daccord, “principled humanitarian action is nothing more than an empty mantra unless it is translated into a meaningful response on the ground.”

But how do organisations verify the degree to which they are able to apply the humanitarian principles in their operations?

The panelists will engage in an honest debate about the relevance and practical implications of abiding by the humanitarian principles in operational environments. In particular, the discussion will centre on respective organisations ‘assess’ or ‘measure’ the application of these principles. What benchmarks do they, or should they have in place? Should they do self-assessments to ‘measure’ the application of humanitarian principles, or should this be done by an external entity? What do or should these assessments entail?