Partnering in a Humanitarian Crisis: An Analysis of INGO-Volunteer Relationships

Abstract

Responses to humanitarian crises involve many different actors. During the European refugee crisis in 2015/2016, national and international public and nongovernmental organizations, as well as volunteers, provided services for refugees and asylum seekers. We analysed the perceptions and interactions between different actors operating along the Balkan refugee route. In particular, we concentrate on the relationships between international non- governmental organizations (INGOs) and volunteers at different stages of the response. Large numbers of volunteers are not common in humanitarian responses. Our results show that partnering is often limited by differences in ideology and perception, slow bureaucratic processes in INGOs, and the lack of accountability for volunteers. Interestingly, there is a change in perceptions over time. During the early stages of the response, volunteers were perceived by INGOs as helpful, flexible and quick in responding to urgent needs, but over time the risk posed by volunteers working with vulnerable populations emerged.