HDP: The Concept

The objective of the Humanitarian Development Program is to serve as a bridge between the two ends of the work being undertaken in developing countries, that of humanitarian relief and sustainable development, the stage of rehabilitation between the two stages that can prove so crucial in determining the future of a developing country.

Where the HDP will differ from many of those already involved in the humanitarian process will be in its determination to see its efforts maximised and carried through to a satisfactory conclusion; to see the achievement of genuine rehabilitation as opposed to stop-gap solutions.

Though rehabilitation can undeniably be a messy process, it is clear that there is a need for follow-on in terms of the economic and social progress looking to be achieved in the regions, to ensure that the humanitarian assistance provided is not wasted.

The Humanitarian Development Program will provide a core structure within which the various international donor organisations can work, free from any political influence and the need to compete with fellow contemporaries.

‘Establishing a firm footing’

There is much to be said for humanitarian aid, often the first stage of helping developing countries establish a firm footing on which to progress. As a form of assistance it is politically popular, well financed, relatively smooth and short-term, with much of the impetus coming from outside parties. On the other hand, longer time rehabilitation is seen as politically dubious in some circles, poorly funded, more problematic and mainly the responsibility of the local recipients.

Where the HDP can best serve the developing world is in providing a tree of influence upon which to base all developing world activities, a core apolitical structure, free of the external issues that conflict so many of the international donor agencies, often dependent on the political influence of their host country.

The Humanitarian Development Program looks to focus the impressive work already being undertaken across the developing world into a cohesive and comprehensive strategy, providing the cooperation, discipline and coordination vital for rationalising this important aspect of development, delivering a consistent message of focus to the United Nations community.