Report - Understanding the role of narratives in humanitarian policy change : An HPG Working Paper by Patrick Saez and John Bryant
The report argues that the failure to reform the humanitarian sector is largely due to the dominant narratives that shape its policies. These narratives, often rooted in Western perspectives, perpetuate a cycle of dependency and undermine efforts for more people-centered and locally led aid.
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Key Points:
*Power and Change: Power dynamics within the humanitarian sector hinder meaningful change.
*Failed Reforms: Despite repeated calls for reform, the sector has made little progress in becoming more people-centered, accountable, or locally led.
*Narratives and Framing: Policy narratives shape beliefs and attitudes, influencing decision-making. The way issues are presented can significantly impact policy outcomes.
*Western Dominance: The humanitarian sector is dominated by Western organizations and donors, whose narratives often reinforce a savior complex and perpetuate dependency.
* Need for New Narratives: To foster change, the sector needs to adopt new narratives that prioritize local leadership, agency, and self-determination.
Key Quotes:
"Power lies at the heart of change... and change in the international humanitarian sector is no exception."
"The failure to change the humanitarian model is clear... in the missed opportunity to support local responders in the Covid-19 pandemic or in the response to Russia’s war on Ukraine."
"Policy narratives – stories with a purpose – are essential to shaping that common understanding."
"Humanitarian organisations need to continuously appeal to the generosity of government and private donors with stories foregrounding suffering."
"These narratives are likely to be a contributing factor to the sector’s continued structural inequalities that hinder humanitarian effectiveness."
Overall, the report emphasizes the importance of challenging dominant narratives and adopting new frameworks to create a more equitable and effective humanitarian system.
Key Points:
*Power and Change: Power dynamics within the humanitarian sector hinder meaningful change.
*Failed Reforms: Despite repeated calls for reform, the sector has made little progress in becoming more people-centered, accountable, or locally led.
*Narratives and Framing: Policy narratives shape beliefs and attitudes, influencing decision-making. The way issues are presented can significantly impact policy outcomes.
*Western Dominance: The humanitarian sector is dominated by Western organizations and donors, whose narratives often reinforce a savior complex and perpetuate dependency.
* Need for New Narratives: To foster change, the sector needs to adopt new narratives that prioritize local leadership, agency, and self-determination.
Key Quotes:
"Power lies at the heart of change... and change in the international humanitarian sector is no exception."
"The failure to change the humanitarian model is clear... in the missed opportunity to support local responders in the Covid-19 pandemic or in the response to Russia’s war on Ukraine."
"Policy narratives – stories with a purpose – are essential to shaping that common understanding."
"Humanitarian organisations need to continuously appeal to the generosity of government and private donors with stories foregrounding suffering."
"These narratives are likely to be a contributing factor to the sector’s continued structural inequalities that hinder humanitarian effectiveness."
Overall, the report emphasizes the importance of challenging dominant narratives and adopting new frameworks to create a more equitable and effective humanitarian system.
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