‘Protection’ has become an unavoidable issue for humanitarians.
What constitutes protection? In conflict areas, how do we define the ‘Protection Gap’? Where does the responsibility for filling this gap lie, and how should the gap be filled?
Marc DuBois argues that humanitarian organisations are treading a dangerous path. By overstating the level of protection they can provide, humanitarians are relieving those who should be providing protection of the imperative to act.
Katy Barnett responds that to ignore protection in humanitarian work is unthinkable; humanitarians should be realistic about what can be achieved, but should also continue to strive for ways to provide protection for those who need it.
