"Define Humanitarian" by Lazarus - 4.8.17

Entry Submitted by Lazarus at 1:22 PM EDT on April 8, 2017

“Define Humanitarian”

This is a discussion our group has had on several occasions. If you are to ask the average person this question, their first answer would be “food – shelter – water”. At the surface a correct answer as it relates to basic needs. One may follow with “education – health – medicine”. Which would also be correct as it relates to secondary needs. Then there is the long term approach such as employment, infrastructure, and development.

All the above certainly generate tremendous humanitarian benefit. However, implementation is a whole other thing. Allow me to give you an example. There is orphanage we are dealing with in Africa. They need all the basic items stated above. Now good luck getting them to them. Food water and medicine will never find its way there. On countless occasions thousands of people have attempted to send aid. All of which has been confiscated, and then misused or held for ransom. Instead of helping the oppressed, it strengthened their oppressor.

In order to have a chance to provide aid you need logistics; transportation; security. A support network on the ground. Not to mention the technical backbone to manage all this. Now, do these things fit one’s definition of humanitarian? Without the proper planning, and infrastructure in place you are basically just throwing money into the wind. Sure. Some might get to its destination I GUARANTEE you most will NOT.

In the military, when we planned a combat mission we begin with addressing the acronym SMEAC –

Situation – What is the current state on the ground? How did it get to this point? What are the contribution factors? What may remain as a ‘problem’ going forward? A detail analysis is necessary to assess any situation prior to taking action.

Mission – your defined purpose. We will change the current situation to ____? How many steps are required? Short and long term strategy?

Execution – Who? What? Where? When? How?

Administration & Logistics – This is the support network on the ground I referenced above.

Command and Signals – communication and the technical backbone to manage all this.

If you are not prepared to do the hard work; the tedious work. Building the proper foundation, all your efforts will be in vein.

To me personally, “Humanitarian” is defined in one simple word “empowerment”. To empower our brothers and sisters to elevate themselves and their condition, by providing the means to do so. And in doing so implement everything that is necessary.

God’s Speed.
- Lazarus