Disobedient Humanitarianism: Moral Experiences of Aid in the Arabian Desert (1962–1970)

What is it about?

This text explores how delegates of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Yemen sometimes distanced themselves from official rules to better aid people in need in the 1960s. Their actions, like crossing frontlines and documenting chemical weapon use, show a form of “disobedient humanitarianism” where personal commitment and idealistic vision led them to push beyond ICRC’s policies. Although the ICRC avoids political involvement and promotes neutrality, delegates experienced emotional struggles and moral dilemmas amid a hostile environment. This tension between individual action and institutional guidelines isn’t unique to the mission in Yemen. Other ICRC members have faced similar conflicts, feeling torn between organizational expectations and the difficult realities of fieldwork. Recognizing these challenges is important, as humanitarian organisations face increasing criticism for bureaucracy and detachment from their mission. This perspective sheds light on how individual experiences and human interactions shape decision-making, the implementation of principles like neutrality, and responses to complex crises. By incorporating these lived experiences, humanitarian historiography gains a richer understanding of the evolving relationship between aid organizations and the people they serve, along with insights into the impact of aid work on the workers themselves.

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