Blinded by Humanity: Inside the UN's Humanitarian Operations

Barber, Martin

ISBN 10: 1784530670 / ISBN 13: 9781784530679

Published by I.B.Tauris, 2014

About this Item

Item in very good condition! Textbooks may not include supplemental items i.e. CDs, access codes etc. Seller Inventory # 00082503383

Bibliographic Details

Title: Blinded by Humanity: Inside the UN's ...

Publisher: I.B.Tauris

Publication Date: 2014

Binding: Hardcover

Condition: Very Good

About this title

Synopsis:

How to respond effectively to humanitarian crises is one of the most pressing and seemingly intractable problems facing the United Nations. Martin Barber, for many years a senior UN official and with decades of humanitarian experience, here argues that the explanation for UN 'failures' or only partial successes lies not with any lack of idealism or good intentions but with the constraints placed on aid workers by ill-onsidered policies and poor practical application -officials are 'blinded by humanity'. Based on decades of personal experience and 'insider access' this will be essential reading for students of international relations and politics as well as for all those directly or indirectly involved with humanitarian issues.

Review:

Every humanitarian, and new recruit to the UN, would benefit from reading (this book). Lord Malloch-Brown

Sometimes understanding humanitarian work and the workings of the UN seems insurmountably complex. Martin Barber's book is an essential tool to break through the complexities and understand various aspects of humanitarian assistance and the UN.

Jody Williams

Humanitarian efforts are either too often dominated by academics with no practical experience or practitioners unguided by research. Martin Barber has managed to combine the two in this valuable merger of real life experience and knowledge.

Jan Egeland, Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council

A fascinating read that will be of great interest to all those concerned with how the UN and the UN system actually works.

Mats Berdal, Professor of Security and Development, King s College London

Blinded by Humanity is an engaging examination of the UN s efforts to accomplish its humanitarian aims and political goals, which at times may seem at cross purposes. Martin Barber s wide experience and frank analysis will interest UN watchers and humanitarian activists alike because it provides valuable insights on how to make the UN a more effective instrument for peace, security and human rights. --Kofi Annan

'Every humanitarian, and new recruit to the UN, would benefit from reading (this book).' - Lord Malloch-Brown 'Sometimes understanding humanitarian work and the workings of the UN seems insurmountably complex. Martin Barber's book is an essential tool to break through the complexities and understand various aspects of humanitarian assistance and the UN.' - Jody Williams 'Humanitarian efforts are either too often dominated by academics with no practical experience or practitioners unguided by research. Martin Barber has managed to combine the two in this valuable merger of real life experience and knowledge.' Jan Egeland, Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council 'A fascinating read that will be of great interest to all those concerned with how the UN and the UN system actually works.' - --Mats Berdal, Professor of Security and Development, King's College London