Resource Corner
Shifting Sands: The Search for 'Coherence' between Political and Humanitarian Responses to Complex Emergencies
This report examines the origin and evolution of the concept of ‘coherence’ between political and humanitarian action and its implications in practice, and argues that the present emphasis on integration of these two policy domains is counterproductive and risks violating humanitarian principles.
It provides studies of two donor governments - the British and the Dutch – and also analyses how the UN provided a means to operationalise and legitimise the coherence agenda. It also contains four mini-case studies which were undertaken in recipient countries.
[Macrea, J. & Leader, N. (2000) ‘Shifting Sands: The Search for 'Coherence' between Political and Humanitarian Responses to Complex Emergencies’ Overseas Development Institute (ODI)]