Militarization of Aid

"When NGOs are associated with the military, we are more likely to be perceived as a legitimate target, and so have a greater vulnerability. Our value and ability to work in insecure environments is thus further compromised."
            
                                                  -Nancy Lindborg, President of Mercy Corps         

photo by imcomkorea

 

Militarization of aid

Report: The Dangers of Militarized Aid in Afghanistan

in
Date: 
March 1, 2010

The strategy of militarized aid in Afghanistan is failing to help the Afghani people says a new policy paper from eight nonprofit groups who have worked in the country for almost 50 years, including Oxfam International and Actionaid.  “The overemphasis on military issues at the expense of efforts to promote

House Hearing Looks at Militarization of Foreign Aid

in
Date: 
April 9, 2009

On March 18, 2009 the House Foreign Affairs Committee held its third hearing in an ongoing investigation into the proper role of the military in the government's foreign assistance efforts.  Committee Chair Howard L. Berman (D-CA) set the direction for the discussion by asking "And what are the implications of putting a military face on development and humanitarian activities?  How does this affect the way we are viewed in the world, and what is the practical impact on USAID’s ability to carry out development projects?"