This conference will discuss the concept that underpins the ‘Humanitarian Transition’, in the light of recent crises, such as exiles in Europe and at sea, the COVID-19 pandemic and the extreme climatic hazards that are causing disasters.

It will bring together students, scientists, association leaders and political decision-makers around the major contemporary vulnerabilities and possible ways of working together constructively to find solutions with and for society.

The conference is organised by the French Red Cross Foundation on the occasion of its 10th anniversary, highlighting 10 years of commitment to humanitarian and social research. The French Red Cross Foundation is a research foundation dedicated to humanitarian and social action.

The conference is organized in partnership with the Paris School of International Affairs (PSIA) and the Institut de recherche pour le développement (IRD).

The conference will be held in French, with translation to English.

Programme

Morning / Amphitheater Leroy-Beaulieu-Sorel, 27 rue Saint-Guillaume

Opening Remarks (9:15-10:00)

• Philippe DA COSTA, President of the French Red Cross and the French Red Cross Foundation
• Sébastien PIMONT, Professor of Law, Dean of the Law School, Sciences Po
• Christopher RASSI, Chief of Staff and Director of the Office of the Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
• Valérie VERDIER, Chairwoman of the Board and CEO of the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD)

Humanitarian transition in the face of crises, an introduction (10:00-10:30)

• Virginie TROIT, Director of the French Red Cross Foundation
• Prof. Jean-François MATTEI, Honorary President of the French Red Cross and former President of the French Red Cross Fund

Round table 1 (10:30-12:00)

‘Humanitarian transition ten years after: the challenges of an object of study between local and international levels’ 

Over the last ten years, the humanitarian sector has undergone profound changes, both exogenous and endogenous, shedding new light on the dynamics of the ‘transition’ or paradigm shift that are taking place: calls for ‘localisation of aid’, new international standards and assistance practices, changes in the relationship between public authorities and NGOs, the polarisation of societies, anti-discrimination movements, big data and new technologies, and so on. This round table will provide an overview of this transition, which combines change and inertia, in the light of the major humanitarian crises of recent years, whether health-related, migratory or climatic.

A youth perspective to the debate (12:00-12:30)

'What future for humanitarian action?’ 

Contribution of students from the ‘Master in Human Rights and Humanitarian Action’ at the Paris School of International Affairs (PSIA) 

Afternoon / Salons scientifiques, 1 place Saint-Thomas

Round table 2 (14:00-15:30)

‘Exiles and hospitality: the migratory experience in question’ 

In recent years, the increase in forced displacements worldwide has led to a number of humanitarian crises on every continent. Numerous studies in the humanities and social sciences have sought to gain a better understanding of the life trajectories of exiles, enabling humanitarian aid agencies to work more effectively alongside them. This round table will bring together the different viewpoints of sociologists, geographers and political scientists, all of whom are needed to grasp the various facets of the migration phenomenon and draw lessons from these different crises.

Round table 3 (14:00-15:30)

‘Epidemics and health beyond medicine: what can be done to overcome the obstacles to health care utilisation?’ 

Epidemics all too often reveal unexplored new links between humanitarian action (which ‘embarks’ social science researchers), international development policies and local public action which, in the wake of epidemics, have been able to develop reaction and adaptation mechanisms. Lines of action intersect, and sometimes overlap, at the individual level between those affected and health professionals or volunteers, at the operational level across a wide range of territories, and at the institutional level in terms of standards and strategies. It is also at the heart of social ties and their breakdown, which are crystallised by the epidemic. The aim of this round table, without limiting itself to the subject of epidemics, is therefore to describe these new links with a twofold concern: on the one hand, by looking at the ability of players to capitalise on past experiences when a crisis occurs (for example, the HIV-AIDS, Ebola and COVID-19 epidemics) and, on the other, by presenting practical cases that show how research into these issues renews the links with public health players and decision-makers and prepares them to act more effectively.

Round table 4 (15:45-17:15)

‘Climate risks and disasters: understanding and coping with them’ 

Driven by a number of factors, including climate change, ‘natural’ disasters are increasing all over the world, causing major humanitarian crises. However, they remain the product of social vulnerabilities, and technical responses are not sufficient to strengthen people’s resilience. This round table will use research in the human and social sciences to examine the various aspects of preparing populations, the effects of ‘natural’ disasters on social cohesion, and the vulnerability factors of the various geographical areas. It will provide new insights and avenues for action, but also considerations on public policies, the importance of the local context or the new issues involved in risk management.

Round table 5 (15:45-17:15)

‘Conducting research on and with humanitarian practitioners: what are the ethical, financial and methodological issues?’ 

Since the emergence of modern humanitarianism, marked by the creation of the ICRC, humanitarian action has become an important field of research. Over the last ten years, more and more research has been carried out not only ‘on’ but also with the humanitarian sector, based on the questions and thoughts of those at the heart of the humanitarian response. This round table will take stock of the significant development of collaboration between the scientific and humanitarian sectors, the different forms it can take and its results, in order to discuss the conditions for its success and the major challenges that remain in terms of strengthening the link between research and humanitarian action.

Closing Remarks (17:15-17:30)

• Prof. Francis AKINDES, Vice-President of the Scientific Council of the French Red Cross Foundation
• Françoise FROMAGEAU, Vice-President of the French Red Cross Foundation 

Research Awards 2023 (17:30-18:30)

Prize-giving Ceremony

Presentation: Prof. Eric DELAPORTE, President of the Scientific Council of the French Red Cross Foundation

Presentation of the four 2023 Awards: 

• Two Research Awards  
• One 10-year Special – ‘Avenir’ Award  
• One honorary prize