The CHH–Lancet Commission aims to rethink the humanitarian system in light of health, conflict, and forced displacement.

In a world plagued by increasing conflicts and forced displacements, the humanitarian system faces a crisis of unprecedented magnitude. International humanitarian law and refugee law are being violated with impunity, while attacks on health care facilities have become distressingly common. The existing humanitarian system, created for a different era, is struggling to cope with the complexities of modern-day crises. Against this backdrop, the Johns Hopkins Center for Humanitarian Health (CHH)–Lancet Commission on Health, Conflict, and Forced Displacement has emerged as a beacon of hope, dedicated to reshaping the humanitarian landscape with a focus on health.

The Commission acknowledges the interconnected nature of conflict and forced displacement with various factors such as climate change, populism, natural disasters, and economic opportunities. It seeks to catalyze systemic change in a world marked by escalating conflicts and a lack of political will to address the root causes of instability. By combining historical perspectives with a multidisciplinary approach, the Commission aims to leverage diverse expertise from both the Global South and Global North, including voices from affected populations and key sectors like water and sanitation, nutrition, economics, international law, and political science.

Recognizing the evolving landscape of contemporary crises, the Commission plans to challenge the outdated architecture of the humanitarian system, proposing far-reaching recommendations to enhance effectiveness. Emphasizing the inclusion of affected populations in decision-making processes, the Commission aims to elevate local knowledge and capacities, championing the localization of humanitarian aid. By analyzing how power can be transitioned to local actors and promoting culturally sensitive interventions, the Commission seeks to ensure that humanitarian responses align with the needs of affected communities, with a gender-sensitive lens.

At the core of the Commission's agenda is a critical re-evaluation of humanitarian principles in light of asymmetric warfare, the presence of non-state armed groups, and complex conflict environments. It will explore global configurations of refugees and internally displaced persons, considering the intricate dynamics of global migration flows and climate change. The Commission will advocate for an inclusive and flexible protection system, deconstructing colonial legacies and promoting a more sustainable and resilient approach to humanitarian assistance.

The Commission's technical analysis will focus on enhancing health systems in humanitarian contexts, advocating for evidence-based interventions and gender-sensitive humanitarian indicators that reflect the priorities of affected communities. It will also address the potential of artificial intelligence to revolutionize humanitarian health strategies, while considering the impacts of the climate emergency on humanitarian health. In the financial realm, the Commission will explore financing models that support proactive and sustainable funding strategies aligned with humanitarian objectives.

With a commitment to producing innovative and pragmatic recommendations, the Commission aims to nurture a network of next-generation humanitarian scholars and foster an open debate on the political root causes of health, conflict, and forced displacement. Through rigorous analysis, comprehensive discourse, and ethical guidance, the Commission seeks to influence global humanitarian and health agendas, challenging existing power structures and amplifying the voices of marginalized populations in decision-making processes.

As the Commission moves forward, it aspires to rethink and reimagine the delivery modes of humanitarian aid by proposing systemic changes and bold recommendations that encourage collective action. With funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Commission, led by a diverse group of Chairs and Commissioners, is poised to transform the humanitarian landscape and drive meaningful change in the face of unprecedented challenges.

Source: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)00426-4/fulltext

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