Humanitarian assistance in times of war has become in issue of growing concern. The 1980s has been decade of major policy change. It has acceptance of humanitarian intervention. The Emergency Relief Desk (ERD) spans this period of change. It was formed as a church based non-government (NGO) consortium in 1981 to channel relief aid across the Sudanese border into war torn Eritrea and Tigray. It was a response to a donor community which supported the Ethiopian government and was indifferent tot he plight of civilians in contested areas. After the mid 1980s, as attitudes changed, ERD became a major conduit for international humanitarian aid which flowed into areas held by the Eritrean and Tigrayan liberation movements.

"It is a moral imperative to do our utmost to help vulnerable communities threatened by disasters and conflicts. The impressive cross border operations into the war and hunger stricken Eritrean and Tigray, are examples of how effective relief can be undertaken during even the most unfavorable conditions." -Jan Egeland, State Secretary, Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

"I would strongly recommend this document to be read by all students of, practitioners in humanitarian operations, especially those concerned with humanitarian operations in zones of conflict. Some of the views expressed may be controversial but the enormity of the humanitarian task carried out by ERD and their achievement in getting food tot he needy in Eritrea and Tigray comes across loud and clear." -Susie Smith, OXFAM

"This thoughtful review asks the tough questions and provides constructive, if controversial and unsettling answers. It contains a wealth of data enriched by thoughtful analysis. Private relief groups are to be commended for commissioning an independent study of their work. The result should be 'required reading' for all humanitarian organizations committed tot functioning effectively in internal armed conflicts, in Africa and beyond." -Larry Minear, co-director, Humanitarian and War Project, Author of Humanitarianism Under Siege

CATEGORY
Political Sociology/AFRICA