The Politics of Principle: The Principles of Humanitarian Action in Practice

This synthesis report by the Overseas Development Institute examines the application and impact of humanitarian principles through an independent study focusing on South Sudan and Liberia. It explores what these principles mean to agencies, how an explicitly principled approach influences decision-making and behavior, and the impact on warring parties. The report is intended for humanitarian organizations, policymakers, and researchers to enhance understanding and application of humanitarian principles in conflict settings. It provides detailed findings from field studies and makes policy recommendations to improve principled humanitarian action.