Humanitarian Response to Conflict and Disaster

About

From the Syrian refugee crisis to the West Africa Ebola outbreak, humanitarian emergencies have reached unprecedented dimensions and proportions. As need for humanitarian aid grows, how can efforts to alleviate human suffering evolve with it?

This course from the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative and HarvardX seeks to prepare learners to recognize and analyze emerging challenges in the humanitarian field. The course explores the ethical and professional principles that guide humanitarian response to conflict and disaster. Participants will learn the legal and historical frameworks that shaped these principles, test their applicability to the challenges faced by humanitarian actors today.

Through four case studies covering the responses to crises in Goma (Zaire), Somalia, the Balkans, Afghanistan and Pakistan, participants will engage with Harvard faculty, current practitioners, and one another. These cases introduce major trends affecting the current landscape of humanitarian response " including rapid population displacement, violence against aid workers, and civil-military engagement. Thoughtfully engaging with this course will prepare participants to be informed and aware humanitarian practitioners, scholars, policy-makers, and global citizens.

What you will learn

• Legal and historical frameworks shaping the professionalization of the humanitarian field
• An applied understanding of the principles guiding humanitarian response and the tensions that arise when operationalizing these principles in modern crises
• How to recognize and adapt to major trends affecting the scope and implementation of humanitarian work

Skills you learn

• Ebola
• Displacement (Fluid)

Auto Summary

Embark on an enlightening journey with the "Humanitarian Response to Conflict and Disaster" course, meticulously designed to immerse you in the core principles and contemporary challenges of humanitarian efforts. This foundational course, offered through edX, falls under the Health & Fitness domain and spans a comprehensive 40-hour duration. Guided by experienced instructors, you will delve into the intricacies of responding effectively to modern emergencies, gaining crucial insights into the operational and ethical frameworks that drive humanitarian missions. Whether you're a professional seeking to enhance your expertise or a starter eager to understand the field, this course caters to a wide range of learners. Flexible subscription options, including Professional and Starter plans, ensure that you can tailor your learning experience to fit your needs. Join this course to build a solid foundation in humanitarian response and make a meaningful impact in the world of conflict and disaster relief.