Normative Humanitarianism in Jordan
Framing Normative Humanitarianism in Jordan
Normative humanitarianism is the discursive mode of humanitarian aid associated with the Northern/Western conceptions of humanitarianism. Humanitarianism, as defined within this normative discourse, finds its roots in traditions of European thought, namely the Enlightenment idea of universalism, and is historically linked to various colonial projects around the globe. It is imperative to understand the ways in which classical humanitarianism, as well as its contemporary iterations, is deeply embedded within Western paradigms such as individual rights, universalism, and the preeminence of nation-states. Humanitarian aid underwent significant developments following the aftermath of World War I and II, giving rise to a set of global humanitarian institutions that constitute the global humanitarian network backed by colonial powers, the League of Nations, and later the United Nations. Additionally, questions of who is in need, who can provide aid, who is said to be underdeveloped, and what situations warrant humanitarian responses are closely tied to Western ideas of progress, development, and world order. More specifically, classical humanitarianism is informed by four overarching principles of humanitarianism, as originally proposed by Swiss humanitarian Henry Dunant and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC):- The principle of humanity emphasizes that human suffering must be addressed wherever it is found. The purpose of humanitarian action is to protect life and health and ensure respect for human beings.
- The principle of neutrality states that humanitarian actors must not take sides in hostilities or engage in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.
- The principle of impartiality calls for humanitarian action that is carried out on the basis of need alone, giving priority to the most urgent cases of distress and making no distinctions on the basis of nationality, race, gender, religious belief, class or political opinions.
- The principle of independence seeks humanitarianism that is autonomous from the political, economic, military or other objectives that any actor may hold with regard to areas where humanitarian action is being implemented.
Born out of this legacy of classical humanitarianism are numerous governmental and non-governmental organizations that form the global network of humanitarianism. In the context of Jordan, these organizations coalesce into a powerful network of actors that provide essential services to refugees primarily in refugee camps organized under their authority with permission from the Jordanian government. It is also worth noting that nations who have not historically been involved as major donors in this network, such as Qatar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates, have stepped up as major financial backers in Za’atari (UNHCR 2014). By taking a closer look at educational programs in Za’atari refugee camp, the efficacy and shortcomings of normative humanitarianism become more apparent within the context of refugee education in Jordan.
