Humanitarian principles amidst challenging realities: dilemmas faced by local aid workers in Arab conflict zones

Based on 40 semi-structured interviews and an extensive literature review, it examines how localisation efforts heighten dilemmas surrounding neutrality, impartiality, and independence. While local humanitarians are deeply committed to humanitarian values, the complexities of politically fragmented environments often make these principles aspirational rather than achievable.

Neutrality is frequently contested with perceptions of bias exacerbated by sociopolitical pressures. Similarly, independence and impartiality are undermined by donor agendas, armed groups, and cultural expectations. The findings advocate for a context-sensitive approach that balances global humanitarian ideals with local realities, fostering adaptive and inclusive responses in complex conflict settings.</p><h2 dir="ltr">Other Information</h2><p dir="ltr">Published in: Development in Practice<br>License: <a href="creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" target="_blank">creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a><br>See article on publisher's website: <a href="dx.doi.org/10.1080/09614524.2025.2489565" target="_blank">dx.doi.org/10.1080/09614524.2025.2489565</a></p>