Principled Humanitarian Assistance of ECHO Partners in Iraq

Commissioned by the Norwegian Refugee Council with support from ECHO, this review examines how humanitarian organizations funded by ECHO incorporate humanitarian principles into their strategies and operations in Iraq. It is intended for humanitarian agencies, policymakers, and donors to understand the application and challenges of upholding principles like humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence in conflict zones. The review highlights significant variations in how these principles are used strategically by ECHO partners to maintain their humanitarian identity and access to crisis-affected areas. By analyzing documents and conducting interviews, the review provides insights into the operational challenges and the necessity for consistent application of these principles to ensure effective humanitarian action.