The Ethics of Humanitarian Access: Managing changing laws and norms in conflict zones

A Cumberland Lodge Exploring Ethics workshop

The actions of combatants in recent wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, the push back against migration across European and North American borders, and talk of mass deportations by populist leaders have all challenged our understanding of international law and humanitarian access.

In the face of these challenges, an array of ethical questions demand reflection: which crises demand our, and our government’s attention; how should people in crisis be represented; are the Geneva conventions and human rights declarations still relevant, and if not, how do we ensure the safety of refugees and civilians in war zones? How do we protect people when the norms of the past no longer appear able to hold the actions of states accountable in the present?

Incorporating Cumberland Lodge’s work on Exploring Ethics, with contributions from the LSE Department of International Development, leading researchers and those working in the field, this two-day workshop is designed to enable participants to have a greater understanding of the ethical questions facing those working in humanitarian contexts.

This will be a “hands on” workshop where participants will be able to develop an understanding of their own ethical frameworks and how they can be applied in the field of humanitarianism and international law. Participants will develop practical strategies for ethical decision making, leadership, and negotiating between different ethical frameworks using real world case studies.

The learning outcomes of the workshop include:

1. An understanding of the origins and applications of humanitarian law;
2. Identifying key ethical dilemmas posed by current conflicts and international crises;
3. Applying ethics to decision-making and leadership;
4. Developing strategies for navigating ethical differences.

Workshop cost: £180, including all sessions, shared accommodation and meals.

Tickets for the workshop are available here.

We have a limited number of single rooms available for an additional cost.

For further information please contact: programmeteam@cumberlandlodge.ac.uk