The Humanitarian Congress Berlin – “Exposing Power & Privilege in Times of Crisis”

From 26th to 30th of October 2020, this years Humanitarian Congress Berlin took place virtually on the topic of “Exposing Power & Privileges in Times of Crisis”. At the congress, local and international experts discussed existing power inequalities within the humanitarian sector and how these shape the global response to crises.

The current global situation, especially with regard to Covid-19, once again shows how profound structural and social inequalities are worldwide. Humanitarian actors are called upon to identify and discuss these power asymmetries and, ultimately, to consider how these are influencing their implementation of humanitarian activities. 

In particular, children, women and girls, older persons and refugees with disabilities often are disproportionately affected by humanitarian crises. Therefore, Handicap International (also known as Humanity & Inclusion) with the project: “Phase 2-Leave no one behind!” placed the cross-cutting topics of inclusion of persons with disabilities, intersectionality and the removal of barriers at the Humanitarian Congress. 

Toyin Aderemi-Ige, Disability-Inclusion Advisor at United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), was invited through the project: “Phase 2-Leave no one behind!”, and spoke on the panel: “How social inequality shapes the global response to the crisis”. 

Toyin Aderemi-Ige’s appeal:

“We have to be mindful of intersectionality! Disability, age, gender and other factors cannot be seen separately. We need a good understanding of intersecting factors to design, plan and implement our response effectively.”

In addition, the project “Phase 2-Leave no one behind!” supported the Humanitarian Congress again this year in making the event as accessible and inclusive as possible. With financial support and technical advice by the project, it was possible to realise English live captions and International Sign interpretation at the event, so that more people could participate! 

A recording of the panel discussion is available on YouTube.