Non-governmental organisations and humanitarian action: the need for a viable change of Praxis and Ethos

Non-governmental organisations are experiencing a crisis of legitimacy, over their neutrality, independence, politicisation and subordination to their donors and the international media. Seemingly they are unable or unwilling to address structural problems related to their present shape and functioning. They need to invest in a radical agenda of change to address the important issues of donor relations, funding, independence and the place of advocacy, standards, rules and operational solidarity. Only by undergoing a process of genuine self-reflection, focused on their own shortcomings, will NGOs be able to harmonise their praxis and ethos in humanitarian action.