Call for Abstracts: 'Holding humanitarian aid to account. The role of local humanitarians' – Peace Research Institute Oslo - Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO)

This academic workshop focuses on the role of local humanitarian actors and their accountability practices. Call for abstracts - deadline 15 January 2023.

In situations of protracted humanitarian crisis, local residents and institutions – including religious actors, grassroots initiatives, businesses – as well as diaspora groups, are key humanitarian actors. They are often the first to assist in emergencies, and they remain engaged throughout the complex crises that may follow. Little is known about how accountability is understood and practiced by (local and transnational) citizens and institutions. While the international humanitarian sector relies heavily on technical-financial systems, civic humanitarians often depend on trust-based social networks and social media. How is accountability defined and practiced locally at the meeting point between local civic and international professional humanitarianism in protracted crises? What can we learn from these practices that may benefit attempts towards localization within the humanitarian field? We aim to debate these and other questions in an academic workshop that brings together scholars with a wide background of disciplines, methodological approaches, geographical interests and thematic expertise.

PRIO, in collaboration with Makerere University and various other partners, will host this workshop in Kampala, Uganda, 22-24 June 2023. It is not possible to participate virtually.

Expected contribution: In order to facilitate targeted contributions that address the core theme of the workshop, we ask participants to prepare papers of 5 000 – 8 000 words. The written contributions will be circulated to participants in advance, but will not be posted online. A post-workshop publication with a selection of papers is a possible outcome.

Format and costs: The workshop will have a limited number of participants and will not be open to the public (15-20 participants in total). Selected participants must cover their own travel expenses. The organizers will cover accommodation (4 nights) and meals for the duration of the workshop. There is no participation fee. We may have funding available for candidates who cannot cover their own travel. Please indicate in the form if that is the case.

Context and host: The workshop is organized in conjunction with the research project 'Holding aid accountable. Relational humanitarianism in protracted crisis' (AidAccount), which is funded by the Research Council of Norway. It is convened by the AidAccount research team.

Timeline