Ethical considerations in humanitarian and development aid: What have we learnt over the last 20 years?

This chapter discusses how the incorporation of a rights-based approach enriches the discussion of the ethics of humanitarian and development aid. We describe the differences between humanitarian and development aid, and the political frameworks that underpin these types of assistance. We go on to discuss the ethical frameworks that are commonly used to analyse humanitarian and development aid, and investigate how a human rights approach might enhance the debate. In conclusion, we demonstrate how the relationship between human rights, ethics and active participation by those in receipt of aid might bring about lasting positive change, and develop the potential for all involved to participate in just social and political relationships.© 2007 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved