The Art of Humanitarian Negotiation

OVERVIEW

WHAT IS HUMANITARIAN NEGOTIATION?

According to the Center for Humanitarian Dialogue, Geneva,"The overall purpose of humanitarian negotiations is to ensure the impartial protection of, and the provision of assistance to, civilians affected by armed conflict and other people rendered hors de combat, as stipulated by international humanitarian law, human rights law and refugee law."

THE NEED:

Over the past couple of decades the main organizations involved in humanitarian negotiations include, the United Nations, the Red Cross Movement and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). They have had to increasingly utilize humanitarian negotiation to gain access to those in need and provide humanitarian assistance. With the current trends of rising international and intrastate conflict likely to continue, negotiated access to these populations remains an important issue.

ABOUT THIS TRAINING PROGRAM:

This workshop will lay out the issues in humanitarian negotiation and build upon the previous work of the ICRC, international humanitarian law, and the Geneva conventions. Experienced practitioners will introduce negotiation skills tailored to the various actors involved in emergencies and conflict areas and will train participants in how to communicate with affected populations. Participants will develop skills and understanding in basic and advanced negotiation skills, cultural awareness and cross-cultural communication, and their application to conflict-sensitive situations. Guests from the Red Cross, UNHCR, other NGO staff, and expert AU professors will present in a panel discussion, and trainers will highlight in-depth case studies.

Speakers:
Michael Khambetta, Deputy Head of Delegation, ICRC

Washington, DC

Patricia Morris, Women For Women International

Mary Hope Schwoebel, Peacebuilding and Development

Expert

Christian Hennemeyer, Director of Programs for Africa

IFES

Steve Hansch, Humanitarian and Public Health and Emergency Expert

AGENDA

WHEN & WHERE:

Friday, February 29 -

Saturday, March 1, 2008