Humanitarian principles in action

Humanitarian Principles in Action: Navigating Humanitarian Dilemmas is an open-source toolkit developed by ADO, EHH, DRC, and ICVA as part of an IRC-led project with Sida funding and NEAR advisory support (2025–2026). Designed primarily for local and medium-sized CSOs in the Global South, it provides a practical six-step framework for identifying, analysing, and resolving situations where humanitarian actors must choose between options that each compromise one or more of the four core humanitarian principles — humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence. The steps move from defining the dilemma and desired outcome, through developing and risk-analysing options, to implementing, circulating, and learning from the decision. The toolkit also includes structured worksheets, stakeholder consultation guidance, and real-world dilemma examples (such as armed escort demands or data-sharing requirements from authorities), making it both a practical operational tool and an advocacy instrument for local organisations engaging with donors, INGOs, and UN agencies