The Moral Context of Humanitarian Aid
Over the past few decades there has been increasing discussion of the ethics of humanitarian healthcare aid. Some of the more common topics examined have included whether aid results in unintended harms, the roles the fundamental humanitarian principles should play in guiding relief work, the nature of relationships between militaries and humanitarian organizations, best strategies for accountability of humanitarian actors, and resource allocation within organizations, amongst others. This broad level of discussion has led to reflection and debate among members of the humanitarian community, and by academics and other commentators, regarding the identity and value of humanitarianism. It has also prompted a number of international initiatives intended to improve standards of best practice, promote evaluation of outcomes, and increase accountability of aid organizations.
The ethical issues faced by humanitarian healthcare workers have also received attention. In one study, interviews with humanitarian workers identified four key sources of ethical challenges: resource allocation and scarcity; inequalities associated with historical, social, political and commercial structures; aid agency policies and agendas; and norms around health professional roles and interactions. While many ethical issues encountered in the field are resolved on a daily basis, others present challenges that can lead to moral distress and uncertainty which sometimes lingers long after the situation has ended.
More detail can be found on page 10 of the HHEAT Handbook.
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Humanitarian Health Ethics 