In this fascinating paper, Mirette Bahgat demonstrates why the concept of cultural competency needs to be paid more than just sporadic lip service during humanitarian crises and should instead become embedded in the heart of every aid organisation.
"It is not an extra procedure or deliverable that needs to be factored into a response strategy and budget, but a foundation that alters the way work is done at the organisational level."
The author examines the challenges inherent in adapting these concepts to humanitarian assistance, but points to models used in social and healthcare services as guides that could overcome these barriers.
