Why technocratic understandings of humanitarian accountability undermine local communities. Issue 2 (17th February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Aijazi, Omer
• Is Part Of: Development in practice. Volume 32:Issue 2(2022)
• Page Start: 175
• Page End: 187
• Publication Date: 2022-02-17
• Subjects: Accountability -- technocracy -- power -- critical humanitarian studies -- disaster response -- Pakistan monsoon floods; Technical assistance -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Economic assistance -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Developing countries -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; 338.91091724
• DOI: 10.1080/09614524.2021.1911939
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0961-4524

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Current trends in humanitarian accountability are unpacked through the examination of an accountability system put in place after the 2010 monsoon floods in Pakistan. Humanitarian accountability, when narrowly understood as a technical and procedural tool, can undermine local self-advocacy efforts, silence community dissent, and supress broader equity claims. Reframing humanitarian accountability as a political and ethical project can inspire innovation, support frontline aid workers, and ignite the radical revisioning of the humanitarian contract itself.