The Politics of Humanity

Recently, I had the opportunity to hear John Holmes (UN Under-Secretary–General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator between 2007 and 2010) speak in Oxford on ‘The Politics of Humanity’,  an honest evaluation of the world of humanitarian relief aid based on his recent book of the same name.

John Holmes in Oxford

John spoke of his experiences of missions to Sri Lanka, Darfur, and the DRC Congo and the challenge of being an emergency relief coordinator. ‘What was he supposed to be coordinating? The International humanitarian set-up is not a ‘system’ in any recognizable sense. Rather it is a collection of organizations and groups which have, over the years, been morally impelled to alleviate the world’s misery’. As the overall emergency relief coordinator, he had no authority to command the aid organization to do things in a certain way. His job was made more difficult by the diverse nature of humanitarian aid organizations with different mandates.

He saw crisis from both sides: the reality on the ground in some of the bleakest places on earth, as well as the strategic view from a comfortable diplomatic chair. He revealed the difficulty of being true to humanitarian principles, particularly in conflict settings where governments tried to use humanitarian aid for their own political aims. ‘Humanitarian relief must not be used for political or security purposes, still less withheld for such resources, or manipulated in other ways. Humanitarian aid is a moral imperative, not part of anyone’s stabilization strategy’.

In closing, he stated that of we must invest more in disaster risk reduction to have a reasonable chance of keeping pace with the growing need otherwise the world may face huge catastrophes without the means to tackle them effectively.

I recommend his book to anyone wanting to learn more about the challenges of applying humanitarian principles in a political world.

Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh

Occasionally, I'm invited to speak to an audience on humanitarian logistics which gives me the opportunity to meet new people and visit new places I might not otherwise see. An invitation from Kate Hughes to speak to MSc Logistics students at Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh was one such opportunity.

Pam in Edinburgh

I was fascinated by the beauty of Edinburgh, this being my first time to visit Scotland, and what it had to offer: great hospitality, stunning scenery, and a rich cultural heritage.

Having a guest lecturer can give students the opportunity to hear from those with long-term experience in disaster response and humanitarian relief giving personal insight in to the unique challenges of this area of logistics and supply chain. I was able to share with the students my professional experience in humanitarian logistics in Africa, as a woman and as a 'local': the advantages and the challenges, and to share about my studies.

I was delighted to meet a diverse group of students who listened keenly and asked important and intelligent questions. I have always found the opportunity to exchange with students to be of mutual benefit where both parties gain from the ensuing discussions.

Derek and me

I'm in the MAG (Mines Advisory Group) office with 'Derek' the deminer in full gear. MAG is a world leader in the clearance of landmines, unexploded ordenance and leftover weapons.

Pam and 'Derek'

Early in my career I worked for World Vision in southern Sudan where some of the ground was filled with landmines. I recall an incident when a convoy of trucks that I had dispatched to Bahr el Ghazal with seeds and tools hit mines. Some convoy members lost their lives and others were badly hurt and lost limbs. That was when I came to understand the devastating nature of this hidden evil.

This week my colleague, Gilles Marion, and I were in Manchester to provide consultancy for MAG. We were privileged to hear a presentation by CEO, Nick Roseveare, on his recent programme visit to DRC which gave us much insight.

What appeals to me most about MAG is the humanitarian aspect of their work. Removing the mines impacts whole communities by restoring safe access to water, shelter, food, and provision of emergency aid and essential life-saving information. People can walk without fear to fetch water from rivers and children can go to school and play in the fields once 'owned' by landmines.

I hope that our consultancy over the next three months will contribute to the impact of MAG worldwide.

Half way to the finishing line

Pamela at Cranfield University

Last week was a significant time for me and my colleagues on the doctoral programme at Cranfield University. We have reached the half way point in our studies which began in Autumn 2010.

We took stock of where we are by answering several questions: what have we learned; what challenges and successes have we experienced and what are our hopes for the next two years.

In that time I have learned to work with a more  structured approach; I have improved my academic rigour and been able to apply some of my research in my work as a consultant. 

The challenge has been to maintain a balance between family, work and studies while relocating from Denmark to the UK to start my consultancy. I thank God for my wonderful supportive husband who recently completed his own studies to gain an MSc from Oxford.

I am still motivated by the topic I am researching about the medical supply chain in developing countries and there has been much interest and support from practice. I began my studies to fulfill a lifelong ambition to research something in depth that would have an impact in people's lives. Now that I am midway through my doctoral studies I hope I will remain focused and motivated to stay the course.

UNFPA capacity building at Windhoek, Namibia (11-22 June 2012)

I had a wonderful opportunity to be a workshop trainer and facilitator at the UNFPA capacity building event in Windhoek, Namibia. Participants came from UNFPA offices across Africa, representing programme and operations functions.

The PSB (Procurement Services Branch) team from Copenhagen led the training on procurement systems and procedures while I focused on supply chain and logistics, with an emphasis on in-country logistics.

My training promoted pro-active interaction between the programme and support functions. Huge benefits can be realized when people are encouraged to break down barriers and work together rather than in silos. Programme efficiency is improved when logistics and supply chain elements are factored into programme planning, programme budgets and donor proposals. My message was reinforced by a simulation exercise which participants really appreciated.

I enjoyed being in Namibia, a beautiful country, and to be working with a great team from PSB: the Africa procurement team leader, Ms. Ingergerd, and her colleagues Peder, Lidia, Lauren, Sandra, and Karen.

UNFPA workshop for the Ministry of Health, Sierra Leone

Pamela with workshop participants

I had a fantastic week in Sierra Leone (28th May to 3rd June) to co-facilitate a UNFPA 'Procurement and Logistics' training workshop with Karen Rasmussen for the Ministry of Health. The workshop even earned a mention in the national press!

The opening ceremony was attended by the Director of Drugs and Medical Supplies, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Mr. Bassie Turay, the Deputy Director of Drugs and Supplies, Mr.Jack Lansana, and the UNFPA country representative for Sierra Leone, Madam Ratidzai Ndlovu. Procurement officers responsible for health commodities came from various institutions including the Procurement Unit in the Ministries of Health and Sanitation, and Defense and the National Procurement Authority. I was so encouraged to exchange knowledge with participants who were so engaged and keen to learn.

My Sierra Leone trip ended with a beautiful reunion and a surprise beautiful breakfast prepared by my former UNICEF friends Dorothy, another Dorothy and Farajah! Wonderful ladies…..thank you for the friendship and hospitality.

The Standard Times

"Humanitarian Logistics" by Rolando Tomasini and Luk van Wassenhove

"Humanitarian Logistics" by Rolando Tomasini and Luk van Wassenhove is one of the books in my list of recommended reads (see right). It's an excellent introduction to the subject for anyone looking for an introductory text and practitioners may find something to interest them also. 

I was please to have my review of the book included in  this months "Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management". You can read it by clicking here or using the URL below. Unfortunately access is restricted to subscribers only.

http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?issn=2042-6747&volume=2&issue=1