As part of the ongoing PHAP discussion series on humanitarian law and policy leading up to the World Humanitarian Summit, the topic under discussion will be "Neutrality: Practical dilemmas of principled action" and takes place on 1 October (be sure to check event time for your region).

INSO DRC Director, Banu Altunbas will join a group of expert panelists in a  moderated discussion following a presentation on the topic by Kate Mackintosh, Deputy Registrar of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. In addition to her leadership role at INSO DRC, Banu has extensive experience in senior humanitarian positions in the Great Lakes region and the Balkans, including with MSF and Action Contre la Faim.

In conflict settings there is perhaps no more certain way for humanitarians to lose access than the perception of their having chosen sides. Paradoxically, neutrality is the principle most often challenged by humanitarians themselves, viewed as prohibiting public advocacy or as interfering with organizational values such as solidarity. Many organizations have developed specific definitions or interpretations of neutrality that diverge from that of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).



The event will provide the opportunity for participants to provide their perspectives on the topic discussed, through the live chat, through posing questions to the panelists, and through live polls.

This event is targeted to members of PHAP but is open to the public. In order to join the event, please register here.