Abstract
ABSTRACT This paper examines South Asian humanitarian engagement through the frameworks of disaster and human security by adopting the example of the disaster that unfolded in Afghanistan in mid-August 2021 during the withdrawal of foreign forces and resulting efforts by many Afghans to leave the country. Through an assessment of regional mechanisms and State responses towards Afghan refugees in 2021, this paper shows that South Asian humanitarian engagement de-couples human security from disaster. The paper thus departs from traditional understandings of security and, accordingly, disaster response, to refocus the need to centre the individual and community. It demonstrates that failing to do so creates a false dichotomy between ‘traditional’ and ‘non-traditional’ security – as is typically regionally framed – leading to ongoing and protracted crises unabated. It proposes that security and rights must be re-coupled in humanitarian engagement in South Asia to ensure that the outcome of such engagement actually meets the twin goals of security and stabilization on the one hand, and the protection of individuals and communities on the other.
Published Version
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