Tag: Humanitarianism
Religion is considered a taboo subject for some humanitarians, who view religious dynamics as irrelevant at best and a hindrance or blockage at worst. They may be reluctant to engage with religious dynamics – perhaps out of a fear that engagement with religion may contradict humanitarian principles such as neutrality and impartiality, or, that it may exacerbate existing tensions in a humanitarian context. While it is necessary to take these concerns into account, ignoring religious dynamics is not the answer. It can lead to inappropriate and even harmful aid. When religious dynamics are a reality in the context and it is in many – if not most – humanitarian settings worldwide, it must be considered, in the same way as any other socio-cultural factors.
