Cash Transfers in the Humanitarian Systems

Article written by: Brian Ikala

Humanitarianism originates from noble efforts to “alleviate the suffering of distant strangers, save lives and enable those suffering to maintain their human dignity during or after a natural disaster or man-made crisis”. The principles of independence, impartiality, and neutrality pioneered by the International Committee of the Red Cross are still being alluded to by International Organizations and NGOs in justifying short-term material distribution to meet basic needs
and actions requiring legal and physical protection. Humanitarian assistance has become unique from a national social protection policy and development assistance programs initiated by States and International Organizations after 1945.