Humanitarian Advocacy: Ethics, Methods,

According to the Global Humanitarian Overview, in 2023, 339 million people will need humanitarian assistance and protection that is one in every 23 people. This is a significant increase from the 274 million people at the beginning of 2022. The UN and partner organizations aim to assist 230 million people most in need across 68 countries, which will require $51.5 billion. Expanding global humanitarian needs, rising operational costs and commodity prices and high inflation in 2023, and complex geopolitics are contributing to a significant rise in requirements. The drivers of humanitarian needs are complex and multifaceted and so are the solutions. The operating environment has also become more challenging and aid workers are under attack. In this context, effective humanitarian advocacy is key to reducing humanitarian needs, raising funds, and for an effective humanitarian response.

Students will examine the meaning of humanitarian advocacy and how humanitarian advocacy has evolved over the years to date, the principles, ethics and dilemmas, and the audience and stakeholders, issues and priorities. Through a series of lectures, case studies, and a review of advocacy approaches, students will learn about the different humanitarian advocacy tools, tactics, approaches and partnerships, and how and when to deploy them. Students will have a critical understand of what comprises effective humanitarian advocacy and have an opportunity to design a humanitarian advocacy strategy.