Key messages
• The formal international humanitarian
system has reached a critical juncture:
the importance of Southern humanitarian
actors has been widely recognised
but reactions to their presence have
been varied. It is important that the
international system seek to understand
and be open to the diverse cultural,
political and contextual forces that have
shaped these actors.
• Greater attention to the past will
facilitate sharper reflection on the current
system and clearer understanding of
key stakeholders within and beyond it.
Recognising the diversity and divergence of
the system’s history will create a stronger
platform from which to engage with actors
that have developed outside of this system.
• Like the Northern system, Southern
actors have been shaped by past
experiences. An understanding of these
experiences over time and their cultural
and political context will enable more
effective dialogue and partnerships.