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"The Relevance of Refugees: Reflections on Theory and Practice" Article appearing in Anthropology Newsletter, 1999 by Peter W. Van Arsdale, Ph.D.

HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE RESEARCH PROJECT (HARP)

Humanitarian Briefs:

Spanning the Field of Relief, Aid, and Development

Assistant Editors

Britt Reiersgord and Phillip Price, 2011

Sarah Hall and Katie Hapeman, 2012

Since 2007 the Josef Korbel School of International Studies has sponsored both certificate and concentration programs for masters degree candidates interested in careers in humanitarian assistance. Five core courses are offered, one of which is entitled “Humanitarian Assistance in Complex Emergencies.” Taught by Prof. Peter Van Arsdale, it provides students with many of the foundational premises associated with the field, as well as with numerous case-specific examples and issue-specific themes. Each student is required to research and write two briefing papers, one covering an important case, the other a critical issue.

Exemplary papers are produced each year. Beginning in 2011, some of these were edited by Prof. Van Arsdale and prepared for publication on-line, through a new project entitled HARP. In these documents, readers can find the following types of information regarding the humanitarian field:

Key developments in regulations and guidelines, such as the Sphere Standards and displaced-person protection standards
Information on NGO and IGO operations, such as those of Oxfam and the Red Cross
Challenges in nations where humanitarians work, such as Palestine and Sudan
Pertinent themes for field researchers, such as food security and camp security
Engaging problems for humanitarian activists, such as staff self-care and government corruption
Theoretical premises, such as those associated with the theory of obligation and education-in-emergencies
Overviews of major natural disasters, such as the 1985 Mexico City earthquake and 2005’s Hurricane Katrina
The status of vulnerable populations, such as refugees and impoverished children
Late-breaking developments, such as those involving military – civilian collaboration and innovative technologies
Champions of human rights and humanitarian causes, such as Aung San Suu Kyi and Fred Cuny

Throughout, the authors have emphasized “lessons learned” and “best practices.” It is only through the systematic review of this type of information that cross-cultural comparisons can be made, innovations evaluated, and humanitarian achievements fully appreciated.

Humanitarian Briefs

(Listed alphabetically by author's last name)

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Sudan since the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement: Prospects for Peace, Lessons Learned - Cheri Baker

(Key Words: Oil, development, Comprehensive Peace Agreement)

The Cluster Approach: Working Towards Best Practices in Humanitarian Response – Logan Boon

(Key Words: Humanitarian Response, Cluster Approach, Best Practices, Coordination)

Best Practices and Lessons Learned: The Humanitarian Response in Post-Tsunami Sri Lanka - Erin Ching

(Key Words: Sri Lanka, tsunami, humanitarian response)

Return: Right, Need or Obligation: Can Chad Reasonably Facilitate the Return of IDPs? – Oliver Cunningham

(Key Words: Chad, internally displaced persons (IDPs), MINURCAT)

Strategic Planning for Post-Earthquake Temporary Housing: Best Practices – Cara Donohue