In the face of injustice, is neutrality an option? The question, and the feeling it gave me, repeated over the years, observing the peak of crises in places like Myanmar, Syria, Ukraine, and now, reaching a crescendo in Gaza. I've always carefully delineated lines between activism and humanitarian aid in my work for international governmental or non-governmental entities, the importance to be neutral as a paramount point for resolution, but has it been really working in contemporary conflicts?
People across various capacities – be it artists, politicians, or journalists – are being silenced for merely opposing the widespread killing and displacement of civilians. In this silence, we've collectively witnessed a recurring narrative: decades of systematic dehumanization fuel resentment, erupting into violence, military push backs claiming thousands of civilian lives, displacing hundreds of thousands more, in the name of self-defense or fight against terrorism.
This brings us face to face with an international humanitarian system at a crossroads – not only in Palestine but in myriad crises where humanitarian needs intertwine with human rights abuses.
In Gaza, international humanitarian actors narrowly appeal to international humanitarian law, when All Eyes are on Rafah waiting for the final ground attack, still side stepping with extreme caution from the harsh reality of an unfolding genocide.
When I first encountered the term "Humanitarian Resistance," it resonated with notions of solidarity, people on the ground, and a fight against injustices – reminiscent of the resistance against oppressive fascist regimes during the Second World War in my country.
However, the concept of humanitarian resistance unsettles some 'principled humanitarians' who advocate for inflexible neutrality, primarily led by recognized international organizations.
As a songwriter I used to listen to when in my adolescence I was dreaming about changing the world, once said, "ignorance is scary, and silence equals to death."
Those words are timeless, and to navigate this evolving landscape, we must shoulder the responsibility of establishing a new aid framework that unequivocally supports locally led, horizontally constructed ecosystems. Communities are the one left to face and fight injustice. This approach champions inclusivity, diversity, and collaboration, breaking down structural and funding barriers to empower grassroot entities on the frontlines.
Recognizing the systemic injustices driving crises and supporting local humanitarians committed to justice is not only about taking duty towards others , is about us, our ethics and humanity.
In Gaza, the pulse of humanitarian resistance beats through community-based and civil society networks deeply rooted in local realities, responding to immediate needs while advocating for justice. International humanitarian actors must align their support, accordingly, amplifying flexible funding for grassroots networks embodying humanitarian resistance in action.
The humanitarian culture is evolving, becoming explicit and asserting its independence from dominant players. It must be leveraged not just for civilian protection but also for long-term justice, rights, and peace.
Perhaps the time to take action in a different way in history has come, standing resolute against atrocities, including dehumanization, while unequivocally supporting those calling out perpetrators.
Zeudi Liew
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