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The world’s oldest profession?

A headshot of Obi Anyadike.

Senior editor, Africa

Migrants and refugees cram into a bus leaving an interim reception centre in Kanjiza, northern Serbia, for the Hungarian border. There was a rush to reach the border before Hungary closed it on 15 September, 2015. Andras D. Hajdu/IRIN
Surcharge du système humanitaire ? Des migrants et des réfugiés s’entassent dans un bus au départ d’un centre d’accueil temporaire à Kanjiza, dans le nord de la Serbie, en direction de la frontière hongroise
A headshot of Obi Anyadike.

Senior editor, Africa

    NAIROBI
    Humanitarianism has a long history: the imperative to help those in need is ingrained in all major religions, altruism seemingly celebrated by all communities.

    The modern roots of humanitarianism are in the 19th century, including an enduring paternalistic notion towards those in need. The regulation of conflict was also a key driver – the International Committee of the Red Cross regarded as the first international humanitarian organisation.

    The end of the Second World War is key to our current architecture – with the legal frameworks and moral impulse to protect human dignity enshrined in the creation of the UN. But despite the lofty vision of its founding, humanitarian action is intensely political.

    IRIN explores the state of the humanitarian enterprise.

    Visit the story here

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