Showing posts with label research. Show all posts
Showing posts with label research. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

The stateless citizens of our Global Systems

| |
0 comments

How far away from truth is the concept of Globalization. Surrounded by high technical gadgets and speedy internet services, a large part of the connected community believes firmly in the fascinating inter-connectedness of the global community. For numerous reasons, we are steered into this type of blind black box thinking. With information at our fingertips, shopping at the click of a button, mobile banking and travelling, virtual conferences and downloadable reading material. Much of our world is defined within this context, thereby putting forth the image of its vast connectedness. Stressing a bit too much on connectedness, the discussion here is not of how far away we are from human values or base emotions due to these growing forms of technological advancements, rather the doubt is quite intermittently tied to the very concept of defining connectedness. Our world has been categorized into 2 parts. The part of the world who have seen the world wide web typed excessively contrasted with the part which hasn't. Yet, as a system, these 2 components share and create transferable facilities, either as the fortunate giver or the grateful receiver.



Yet, the term Globalization screams injustice to a well known side of the world. The side that has become vulnerable, displaced, helpless and dependent. While migration across continents takes place in accordance to pre-set rules and regulations, the millions who have been stricken by calamity, for political or natural reasons, remain in a stateless position in this very global community. These citizens are suspended of their local let alone global citizenship in a matter of few days, with no appeal, transfer or migration system set in place.

Taking in the example of not one or two but millions displaced at the hands of injustice. If hunger and shelter was not enough a hurdle, these citizens are faced with issues pertaining to identity and statelessness. What happens at these critical moments. Every community of the global system tightens their inflow laws. The neighboring regions want no share in the disparity, leaving the victims of this very global connected community beseechingly disconnected. Where then does the global human community disappear.
Stripped out of basic human rights to food, shelter and education these victims of irate circumstances are left in social dilemmas. We create a systems called globalization, and the minute atrocity strikes one component, we gear ourselves to help them revive, but alas with a fake sense of connection.  An attitude which allows the healthy components to aid to an extent that will serve the media purpose or funding budget. Long term sustainability projects often overlooked, inappropriately prioritized and subject to extreme amounts of complexity.


While we figure a way to wade through this complex system, a part of the vulnerable community withers day by day, fading with it the shallow concept of connectedness. In other words a constricted world viewed through a disconnected lens.
Read More

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Can the future of humanitarian response be sans technology?

| |
0 comments





The number of refugees is on the rise. The need for humanitarian efforts is increasing. Be it human or natural disasters, the world is facing a gripping statistic of individuals who have been forced to live in destitute conditions. While the efforts have become more strategic, the rate at which aid is needed is multiplying by the second. It is but a clear indication for humanitarian projects and funding organisations to start investing in technology. Technology as a means to quicken donor response, magnify utilization of resources for humanitarian workers, provide better facilities for the refugees and disaster struck individuals. The focus can also be directed towards bringing long term solutions to the individuals affected by these crises.

Professionals working on field have a rich understanding of the conditions and requirements of the affected individuals. Creating substantial platforms for field professionals to communicate this understanding to technological firms would give new light to the developmental efforts. Better yet provide training to individuals or craft courses in the area of humanitarian sciences and technology. An interdisciplinary background will help establish a solid foundation to design need specific technical solutions. "Rather than have existing technology fuse into the humanitarian aid sector, our efforts should be directed towards innovating technological solutions from within" stressed a doctors without border professional at an IDRC Panel discussion . Not only will that have a stronger, long lasting impact but will pave way for more meaningful research. This kind of approach to technological innovation helps connect to individuals at a ground level since the technology is designed with a user centric feel

There is an immediate need to incorporate technology to our developmental efforts. A future without technology will not get us far, at least not where we are capable of going. New technology for humanitarian aid would arise from renewed strategies and design thinking. The future lies in maneuvering this tool to develop effective solutions 

_______________________________________________________________
The need for technology was emphasized during an IDRC (International Development Research Council, Canada) panel discussion addressing the future of Humanitarian response. The panel discussion can be found below

Read More
Powered by Blogger.