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401. Engaging Local Communities for More Effective Climate Mobility Programming

Author:
Lawrence Huang and Camille Le Coz
Publication Date:
10-2024
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Migration Policy Institute (MPI)
Abstract:
Climate change does not affect all communities the same way. Floods in one location can cause massive, long-term displacement and even permanent relocation, while they might only trigger short-term evacuations elsewhere. This depends to a significant extent on how vulnerable communities are to begin with and the resources they have to cope and adapt. And because the impacts of climate change on human mobility are highly localized, the solutions need to be as well. In this context, localization means designing solutions to prevent displacement and support safe migration in ways that account for a specific community’s ability to recover, rebuild, and adapt, as well as its aspirations and priorities. Local stakeholders—including municipal authorities and local nongovernmental organizations—have a key role to play in this space, often alongside international and national actors, given their first-hand grasp of local needs and dynamics. This issue brief explores the importance of localization in climate migration solutions, as well as common barriers that have kept local actors from taking on greater roles. It also offers recommendations for turning localization from a rhetorical commitment into practical action.
Topic:
Climate Change, International Cooperation, Migration, Localization, and Climate Refugees
Political Geography:
Global Focus

402. Health responses during COVID-19

Author:
Neha Singh, Kimberley Popple, and James Smith
Publication Date:
08-2024
Content Type:
Commentary and Analysis
Institution:
ALNAP: Active Learning Network for Accountability and Performance
Abstract:
The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic presented a grave global health challenge, both in terms of scale and severity. The novelty of the virus and the widespread economic impacts of efforts to contain it created an urgent global need to understand the virus, issue accurate guidance and develop effective prevention and treatment. As the pandemic progressed, many contexts already affected by humanitarian crises faced a new health threat, further compounded by the pandemic’s deleterious impact on socioeconomic indicators, food security and essential services. Many other countries, not previously considered as affected by humanitarian crises, had to reorientate to crisis response given the extent of the threat posed by COVID-19. Both the anticipated and realised impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic placed immense pressure on healthcare systems worldwide to both prevent and treat COVID-19 cases – something that has often required complex interventions – while simultaneously maintaining essential health services. As such, policymakers and healthcare workers were pressed to make changes to systems and practices to respond to the direct threat posed by COVID-19, and the indirect impact of COVID-19 response measures on non-COVID-19 health needs. Much of the available COVID-19 guidance primarily focused on higher-income countries, many of which became the early epicentres of the pandemic, and thus far has not necessarily been as relevant or applicable to humanitarian settings where living and working conditions, as well as the wider socio-cultural environment, are very different, and where local health systems may already be weakened by existing humanitarian crises and other challenges. Furthermore, where guidance has been developed for humanitarian settings (Interagency Standing Committee [IASC], 2020; Ramalingam, 2020), the diversity of countries and contexts that fall under such categorisation is such that any guidance produced is not able – nor intended – to be context specific. As such, humanitarian organisations at the country level have initiated adaptive interventions to respond to the specific challenges they have experienced (Lancet, 2020). These adaptations often demonstrate a complex process whereby organisations acknowledge guidance is available to support interventions, but that they must nonetheless adapt or innovate in response to contextual realities (Odlum et al., 2021).
Topic:
Health, COVID-19, and Humanitarian Response
Political Geography:
Global Focus

403. The humanitarian response to COVID-19: Lessons for future pandemics and global crises

Author:
Emmeline Kerkvliet, Samir Hafiz, and Susanna Morrison-Metois
Publication Date:
10-2024
Content Type:
Commentary and Analysis
Institution:
ALNAP: Active Learning Network for Accountability and Performance
Abstract:
The COVID-19 pandemic was unparalleled in scope and scale, and the response tested the humanitarian system in new and unforeseen ways. While funding was not able to keep pace with the massive rise in global needs, the system proved to be extraordinarily resilient. However, neither the crisis itself nor the response to it should be understood as exceptional. Despite its many achievements and adaptations, the humanitarian response walked a well-trodden path. Humanitarian actors often defaulted to their usual, top-down ways of working, revealing perennial problems in the current formal international humanitarian system. Evaluations emphasise that the response was carried out under significant constraints – unpredictability, scarcity of information and limited humanitarian access – but caution should be exercised against interpreting these constraints as justifications for the shortcomings of the response. There were striking parallels between the operating environment of COVID-19 and other crises, which are not new to humanitarians. In framing the pandemic as an exceptional crisis, there is a real risk of diminishing the importance of learning and the need for transformative change within the sector. ALNAP 's analysis suggests that there is much to be learned – and further researched – from the response to COVID-19, which will be useful in responding to future public health emergencies, as well as other major crises. This evaluation synthesis focuses on nine key areas of the humanitarian system's response to the pandemic: sense-making and resource mobilization; needs prioritization and inclusion of the most vulnerable; adaptation of the humanitarian system; meeting the needs; localization; community engagement; coordination and collaboration with partners; utilization of learning from the Ebola and other public health responses; and evidence gaps and areas for further research. Download main report file
Topic:
Crisis Management, Public Health, Pandemic, COVID-19, Monitoring, Humanitarian Assistance, and Evaluation
Political Geography:
Global Focus

404. Harnessing evidence and learning for people-centred humanitarian action

Author:
Veronique Barbelet, Josie Flint, Emmeline Kerkvliet, and Sara Philips
Publication Date:
12-2024
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
ALNAP: Active Learning Network for Accountability and Performance
Abstract:
Reforms have sought to shift the framing of humanitarian action towards a quality and equity agenda focused on the view and experiences of people affected by crisis. Reforms linked to the localisation, accountability to affected people (AAP) and inclusion agendas point to the same general vision – a humanitarian aid architecture and system that enables approaches tailored to context and individuals, including through greater leadership and participation of local actors and communities. This report synthesises the available evidence on existing approaches to people-centred humanitarian action and their outcomes, and it reviews good practices. It identifies key gaps on localisation, AAP and inclusion, explores the inter linkages between them, and reflects on the evidence needed by donors, practitioners and researchers to reform humanitarian practice and policy.
Topic:
Humanitarian Aid, Reform, Accountability, Inclusion, and Localization
Political Geography:
Global Focus

405. Balancing the Legitimate Interests of States

Author:
Mazhar Ali Khan
Publication Date:
05-2024
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Review of Human Rights
Institution:
Society of Social Science Academics (SSSA)
Abstract:
This study explores the principles of domestic criminal jurisdiction under international law, focusing on universal jurisdiction. It analyzes the contentious nature of universal jurisdiction, particularly its application by international judicial organs post-human rights and international criminal law developments. The research scrutinizes the Rome Statute's provisions, debating whether it implicitly or explicitly endorses universal jurisdiction over non-party state nationals. It also examines the complementarity principle within the Statute, arguing that it safeguards state interests by prioritizing national jurisdiction. The findings affirm universal jurisdiction's recognition under international law and its potential activation under the Rome Statute, while complementarity balances states' interests against the jurisdiction of international courts.
Topic:
International Law, International Criminal Court (ICC), Rome Statute, Jurisdiction, Universal Jurisdiction, and Complementarism
Political Geography:
Global Focus

406. Spring 2024 edition of Strategic Visions

Author:
Joseph Johnson, Alan McPherson, and Andrew Santora
Publication Date:
05-2024
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Strategic Visions
Institution:
Center for the Study of Force and Diplomacy, Temple University
Abstract:
Contents News from the Director……… 2 Note from the Davis Fellow…. 7 News from the Community…. 8 Research Reports….. 11 Checking in with the CENFAD Emerging Scholar…. 13 CENFAD Community Interviews Dr. Michael Brenes……. 15 Dr. Stephanie Freeman…… 20 Retrospective: The “All Roads Lead to Gettysburg Conference”….. 26 Book Reviews The Third Reich’s Elite Schools: A History of the Napolas by Helen Roche, reviewed by Andrew Santora …………………….. 30
Topic:
History, Book Review, Higher Education, Interview, and Use of Force
Political Geography:
Europe, Global Focus, and United States of America

407. Climate Change and Migration

Author:
Emmanuella Doussis and Maria Eleni Pantazi Psatha
Publication Date:
05-2024
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP)
Abstract:
The nexus between climate change and migration is not newly emerged; yet it has recently started gaining territory in political agendas. It constitutes a complex phenomenon which involves various fields, making it harder to collect accurate and up-to-date data. Climate migration can take different forms-internal or cross-border, temporary or permanent- and is usually affected by a combination of factors. Therefore, this policy paper advocates for addressing climate migration in relation to existing agendas and frameworks, and not as a stand-alone issue. It also promotes the conceptualisation of climate migration by focusing on how we talk about people who migrate because of climate change and not what we call them. The last section provides a set of policy recommendations, advocating for tailor-made solutions based on regional and national needs and vulnerabilities. Overall, the policy paper underscores the importance of addressing the complexity of climate migration and calls for concerted policy efforts. · Climate change is one of the factors among others that lead to human mobility. · Climate migration is a multicausal and multi-form phenomenon. · Climate migration should not be perceived as a stand-alone issue for which an entirely novel legal and political framework should be adopted. Au contraire, it needs to be addressed in relation with other agendas and existing areas of cooperation. · The focus should be placed on how we talk about people moving for climatic reasons and not what we call them. · Attention should be paid to internal and inter-regional displacement. · One-size-fits-all policy responses are unrealistic; thus, tailor-made solutions should be promoted. · Mitigation policies can be developed through existing frameworks. · Reinforcement of National Adaptation Plans is of significant importance. · Migration can be seen as an adaptation strategy. · Promotion of humanitarian visas as well as bilateral free movement agreements are some policies that need to be reinforced.
Topic:
Climate Change, Migration, Mobility, Freedom of Movement, and Climate Refugees
Political Geography:
Global Focus

408. Developing a Framework for Collective Data Rights

Author:
Jeni Tennison
Publication Date:
12-2024
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI)
Abstract:
Are collective data rights really necessary? Or, do people and communities already have sufficient rights to address harms through equality, public administration or consumer law? Might collective data rights even be harmful by undermining individual data rights or creating unjust collectivities? If we did have collective data rights, what should they look like? And how could they be introduced into legislation? Data protection law and policy are founded on the notion of individual notice and consent, originating from the handling of personal data gathered for medical and scientific research. However, recent work on data governance has highlighted shortcomings with the notice-and-consent approach, especially in an age of big data and artificial intelligence. This special reports considers the need for collective data rights by examining legal remedies currently available in the United Kingdom in three scenarios where the people affected by algorithmic decision making are not data subjects and therefore do not have individual data protection rights.
Topic:
Privacy, Data Governance, Consent, and Digital Rights
Political Geography:
Global Focus

409. Scenarios of Evolving Global Order

Author:
Paul Samson, S. Yash Kalash, Nikolina Zivkovic, Tracey Forrest, and Bessma Momani
Publication Date:
10-2024
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI)
Abstract:
The global order is under strain, propelled by the complex interplay of numerous trends and impacts. Converging factors are redefining the contours of the international system, necessitating significant adaptation by states. While the forces for change are evident, the trajectory of the new order remains highly uncertain. This CIGI special report seeks to fill a gap between the analysis of current trends and mapping of potential futures by outlining five possible scenarios for an evolving global order. These five scenarios represent a spectrum from the most modest plausible change (reform of the current system) to the most radical (transformation of the whole system due to a global shock). It is hoped that the report’s analysis will stimulate critical thinking and discussion and will help equip policy makers with the foresight necessary to navigate an uncertain future.
Topic:
International Cooperation, Geopolitics, International Order, and Multilateral Institutions
Political Geography:
Global Focus

410. Freedom of Thought: Reviving and Protecting a Forgotten Human Right

Author:
Susie Alegre and Aaron Shull
Publication Date:
09-2024
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI)
Abstract:
Freedom of thought is an essential plank of the international human rights framework and an inviolable freedom. It has been described by legal experts as not only the foundation of democratic society and the basis and origin of all other rights but also as a “forgotten right” that has languished unused in international human rights law for decades. However, the importance of this right and the need to protect it are becoming more urgent in the digital world. To illustrate the risks emerging technologies present to freedom of thought, Susie Alegre and Aaron Shull outline four contemporary use cases — ranging from the least invasive (data-driven persuasive technologies) to the most invasive (brain-computer interfaces) — that raise many questions: Where does the line fall between our inner thoughts and our expression of those thoughts? What does “consent” mean with respect to technologies that interface with the mind? How can inferences about our inner lives be used against us? And, critically, where is the boundary between lawful influence and unlawful manipulation of our thoughts? Over the past 10 years, recognition has been growing that the right to freedom of thought is key to our future relationship with technology. Alegre and Shull write that an authoritative statement made at the international level on the scope of the right to freedom of thought and its relationship to technology would assist domestic and regional courts, regulators and policy makers grappling with these deeply complex policy areas.
Topic:
Human Rights, International Cooperation, Science and Technology, and Freedom of Thought
Political Geography:
Global Focus