Reframing humanitarian principles in practice: lessons from Sudan

Webinar & presentation

– (UTC)

Organiser

ICVA, CCHN, and HERE-Geneva

Categories

Conference

Language

English

Subject

Humanitarian principles

Register
Reframing humanitarian principles in practice: lessons from Sudan

Overview of event: Humanitarian principles are the cornerstone of effective humanitarian action. However, the reality of delivering aid in complex, high-pressure environments often challenges these principles. Humanitarian organisations, regardless of location, face similar obstacles in negotiating access, overcoming bureaucratic hurdles, and responding to local demands, all of which can put the principles – and staff – under pressure.

In the case of Sudan, where armed conflict has ravaged the country since 15 April 2023, humanitarian actors have strived to deliver their response in accordance with the humanitarian principles. While many INGOs working in Sudan are aware of these principles, the review of principled humanitarian action in Sudan carried out by HERE-Geneva in 2024 reveals this awareness has not necessarily translated into practical steps to uphold them.

While the principles provide a framework to help humanitarian actors navigate – individually and collectively – the various operational challenges in Sudan, they have also created tensions among organisations as to what constitutes principled action when negotiating with parties to the conflict. These disagreements underscore the need for clear guidance on how to apply the principles effectively, particularly in high-stakes situations.

To address this gap, ICVA’s new guidance Putting the Humanitarian Principles into Practice: A Guide for NGO Leaders, was developed. It responds to growing calls from NGO staff for clear, practical tools to implement principled action amidst complex, high-pressure environments.

👉 This webinar will bring together insights from HERE-Geneva’s “Lost in Sudanisation?” report and ICVA’s practical guidance to explore the challenges faced in Sudan and the broader lessons learned. The discussion aims to highlight how collective dialogue and complementary approaches can help humanitarian organisations overcome disagreements, enhance operational clarity and strengthen principled humanitarian action in Sudan and beyond.

Format: The event will be held online, with in-person attendance limited to participants of the CCHN/INGO Forum workshop in Nairobi. It will feature presentations of the HERE report by Ed Schenkenberg and ICVA guidance by Eileen Morrow, followed by Q&A sessions, a short coffee break, and small group discussions to reflect on practical implications and linkages to humanitarian negotiation.

❗ TAKE NOTE: The event is only open to NGOs.

📅 Date: Tuesday 24 June
🕒 Time: 10.30 – 12-00 (Nairobi time) – 9.30 – 11.00 (CET time)
📍 Platform: Microsoft Teams link to be shared with those registered

👉 Register here!

Deadline for RSVP: June 22 at 23.59 CET

For more information, please contact communications@icvanetwork.org.