Humanitarian Aid Distribution Research Articles

Forecast of Corruption: From Ethical to Pragmatic Considerations

From an ethical standpoint, combating corruption is crucial for promoting justice and equality. The rule of law and ethical governance involves clear standards of behavior for public servants and mechanisms for ensuring these standards are upheld. Corruption undermines public trust in government and democratic institutions and exacerbates social inequality and injustice (disproportionately affects the poor and marginalized groups, denying them access to essential services and opportunities). The fight against corruption during a full-scale war has ethical and purely pragmatic implications for Ukraine, the data of which formed the basis of this study. The lack of tangible progress in the fight against corruption in general, the lack of transparency of many institutional mechanisms in public administration, the revealed corruption schemes in the distribution of international military and humanitarian aid, as well as in the field of public defence procurement, the lack of punishment for corrupt officials in the highest echelons of power threaten the loyalty of international donors and allies, reduce Ukraine’s authority in the international arena, slows down Ukraine’s movement towards the EU, and significantly affects the decisions of foreign partners. The article demonstrates the results of forecasting the future level of corruption in Ukraine (for 2024‒2027) based on the retrospective dynamics of the Corruption Perceptions Index by Transparency International for 1998‒2023. Two economic and mathematical models are used for forecasting: Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA), which better reflects long-term historical trends and fluctuations, and the exponential smoothing method, which is more sensitive to the latest values of the time series. The statistical analysis package STATISTICA was used for the calculations. The forecasting results are disappointing since both methods showed an expected decrease in the level of corruption in 2024-2027, but in critically low volumes: by 1 point according to the ARIMA model and by 3-4 points according to the exponential smoothing method. The results of this study can serve as a basis for public advocacy campaigns as an argument for the need to radically revise the existing format of anti-corruption policy in Ukraine given its European future.

A pragmatic approach to operationalize impartiality: A case study of transition shelter reconstruction in the context of Nepal earthquake 2015

The principle of impartiality gains the highest priority in humanitarian action. However, the skewed distribution of humanitarian aid, uncoordinated needs assessment, the plurality of interpretations of impartiality, the neglect of the ‘most in need’ and the trade-off between self-determination and furthering parochialism are the key challenges in realizing impartiality. Thus, the objective of the paper is to propose an operationally feasible approach to address the manifest injustice, with regard to the marginalization of the ‘most in need’ in the post disaster humanitarian context. The paper draws from theories of justice, to develop the approach that addresses the challenges in operationalizing impartiality, and illustrates the same in targeting transitional shelter reconstruction, using the case study of Nepal Earthquake 2015. The paper uses a pragmatic sequential mixed method approach comprising of five steps. Qualitative methods are used to explore contextual quantitative indicators and indices to target the ‘worst off’ and for the social evaluation of the approach. The quantitative multi-stage, multi-criterion-based decision-making process is adapted to integrate the priority of multiple stakeholders within the data aggregation process to arrive at the index, using which targeting is performed. The theory driven approach that uses AHP at higher levels of aggregation is evaluated against other approaches such as Pareto front and Equal Weight. Confusion Matrices, ROC curve and the decomposition of the probability of type 2 error, highlight the relative advantage of the approach over other approaches. The paper concludes with the discussion of the theoretical, methodological and practical contributions.

Sexual Violence Against Men in Civil Conflict

Sexual violence against men in conflict settings is neither a rare nor recent phenomenon, yet its absence in academic scholarship and humanitarian initiatives remains glaring. Despite the advances in our understanding of the determinants of wartime sexual violence against women, surprisingly little empirical research exists on sexual violence against men in conflict. Acts of sexual violence are commonly enacted against men in war, yet because they do not fit more narrow definitions of rape, accounts of these experiences are often misclassified as “torture.” Moreover, in many countries experiencing pervasive conflict-related sexual violence, there exist restrictive laws regarding sodomy and homosexuality, reducing the chances that males will report their experiences. Using originally coded data on sexual and gender identity laws and reported incidents of sexual violence in civil conflict, I find that laws that outline the protection of sexual and gender identity expression including the decriminalization of same-sex activity are significantly associated with reports of acts of sexual violence against men. The results speak to the gap in the literature on male sexual violence with tangible consequences for the distribution of humanitarian aid, availability of medical and psychological services for victims, and aims of peacekeeping missions.

Quick-Response Model for Pre- and Post-Disaster Evacuation and Aid Distribution: The Case of the Tula River Flood Event

Background: In the context of humanitarian logistics, efficiently evacuating people from disaster-stricken areas is a complex challenge. This study focuses on the Tula River region in Hidalgo, Mexico, exploring the evacuation and support of individuals in temporary shelters. Despite the fact that the topic has been addressed in the literature, it is necessary to have quick response methods that can be used by decision-makers to adapt and utilize existing spaces as temporary shelters, in addition to knowing how to evacuate people. Methods: Addressing this void, a methodology to minimize evacuation and aid distribution costs is introduced. Leveraging existing algorithms, particularly Integer Linear Programming, the model determines shelter activation and utilizes the Vehicle Routing Problem to assess aid delivery strategies. Results: The research identifies optimal evacuation routes from 13 affected areas to 34 shelters and analyzes aid distribution costs under various demand scenarios: original, increased, and decreased by 10%, based on the number of transport units allocated and Google Maps distances. It also evaluates the costs associated with humanitarian aid distribution under varying collection strategies, involving state and municipal governments. Conclusion: This approach provides a decision-making foundation and can be adapted for similar analyses in other communities during extreme events.

Last Mile Humanitarian Aid Delivery Model with Electric Vehicles to Disaster Areas

Natural disasters that cause a lot of loss of life and property in Türkiye occur frequently due to reasons such as our country's geographical location, climatic conditions and landforms. For this reason, it is necessary to be extremely prepared for the consequences of disasters. It is also very important to quickly deliver the necessary materials and equipment to people affected by these disasters. For this reason, electric vehicles were included in the mathematical model proposed in the study due to the fuel problems that will be experienced during the disaster process. In this study, a 0-1 mixed integer last mile humanitarian aid distribution model that will be delivered to hospitals from the designated warehouse after a possible disaster is proposed. The proposed model determines routes that will minimize the total distance of electric vehicles, taking into account their charging and energy consumption. Considering the power outages after the earthquake, solar powered electric vehicle charging stations were preferred. The proposed model was applied for the post-earthquake aid distribution example in Kayseri province. Distance data and consumed energy amounts for the Kayseri province example were entered into the model and solved in the CPLEX program. With this study, an example application was carried out for aid distribution activities with electric vehicles after an earthquake in Kayseri. Additionally, the effectiveness of the use of energy-efficient electric vehicles in disaster management was evaluated in the article.

ANALYSIS OF EQUITABILITY IN HUMANITARIAN AID DISTRIBUTION: A CASE STUDY OF NORTH-EAST NIGERIA

This study examines equitability in humanitarian aid distribution in the context of the North-Eastern region of Nigeria, focusing on food security among host communities and internally displaced persons (IDPs). The North-East has been plagued by a decade-long insurgency, resulting in significant displacement of people and dependence on humanitarian assistance. While numerous aid organizations operate in the region, food insecurity and poverty persist at alarming rates, with over 71.5% of the population living below the international poverty line. Using a cross-sectional dataset from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), this study employs ordinal probability regression and ordinary least squares regression models to analyse the impact of various factors on food security. The result reveals that a higher proportion of IDPs experience high food insecurity compared to host communities, and asset ownership significantly influences food security, with host community households possessing higher asset values. Interestingly, employed households are more likely to be food insecure, suggesting the need for labour market improvements for both groups. These findings underscore the importance of equitable aid distribution, especially in conflict-affected regions, and calls for targeted interventions to address the varying needs of host communities and IDPs. Further research and policy measures are essential to alleviate food insecurity and poverty in the North-Eastern region.

Enhancing Disaster Diplomacy between Indonesia and Turkey: A Study on the Roles of Non-State Actors in Collaborative Governance during the 2023 Earthquake

Disaster diplomacy, the strategic use of humanitarian aid and disaster relief to strengthen diplomatic relations, emerged as a crucial element in international politics, particularly in the aftermath of natural disasters. This study delved into the specific case of the 2023 earthquake, focusing on the role of Indonesian non-state actors in fostering diplomatic ties through collaborative governance. Employing a descriptive qualitative methodology, the research explored the partnership between the Indonesian government and prominent non-state organizations, Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), in executing disaster diplomacy. It revealed that Indonesia’s diplomatic relations with Turkey experienced significant enhancement due to their joint efforts in disaster management and humanitarian aid. The study identified three core elements structuring this collaborative governance: system context, driving force, and collaboration dynamics. It underscored the active involvement of Muhammadiyah and NU, analyzing how their respective disaster management centers – Muhammadiyah Disaster Management Center (MDMC) and Nahdlatul Ulama Disaster Management and Climate Change Institute (LPBINU) – played pivotal roles. Their contribution not only improved the efficiency and volume of humanitarian aid distribution but also expedited the evacuation processes. The findings contribute to understanding the complex dynamics of disaster diplomacy and the influential role of non-state actors in enhancing international relations through collaborative governance in crises.

Caring is resisting: Lessons from domestic workers' mobilizations during COVID‐19 in Latin America

AbstractDomestic workers were one of the most negatively affected groups by COVID‐19 in Latin America, yet they have also been resisting and mobilizing in impressive and innovative ways. This article shows that domestic workers' organizations were able to adapt to an extremely adverse context in order to protect their members and defend their rights. Furthermore, their mobilizations provide an alternative vision of society grounded on love and solidarity and offer concrete ways forward to “build back better.” Indeed, their core campaign, “Care for those who care for you”, demands the recognition of care work as real work and fair treatment for those who provide this care. Based on an analysis of this campaign, I have identified 3 repertoires of care‐resistance: the promotion of self‐care and well‐being, concrete practices of solidarity through the distribution of humanitarian aid, and legal mobilizations for the recognition of care as a fundamental right. I argue that these forms of action contribute to feminist ethics and theories of care and that putting forward the right to care and be cared for in times of crisis is an act of resistance.

Vulnerability to health and well-being of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Myanmar post-military coup and COVID-19

Across the globe, the COVID-19 pandemic has aggravated particular challenges for internally displaced people (IDPs). Over 1.9 million people in Myanmar have been displaced due to the escalation of armed conflict after the military coup in 2021. The vulnerability faced by IDPs in Myanmar, coupled with the impact of the recent military coup and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, has received little global attention. This study examined how military coup exacerbated the health and well-being of IDPs in Myanmar post the military coup. The study employed purposive sampling and Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) referrals to find participants. Qualitative in-depth telephone interviews were conducted with a total of 17 IDPs. A thematic analysis of the findings indicates that IDPs experience anxiety and fear daily, adversely affecting their mental health due to the increased escalation of armed conflict and attacks on civilian places, including IDPs shelters. Some IDPs contract COVID-19 and suffer from malaria and dengue fever owing to their precarious living conditions. Moreover, the military’s restrictions on humanitarian aid distribution, including healthcare, medicine, and food, have severely impacted the health and well-being of IDPs in Myanmar, exacerbating food shortages and limiting healthcare access.

A decision-making tool for the determination of the distribution center location in a humanitarian logistics network

The distribution of humanitarian aid is a vital issue for humanity's future. In recent years, the management of humanitarian crises has become more crucial than it was a decade ago. Due to the volatility and urgency that characterize such situations, one of the most important challenges globally is the optimization of decisions regarding the timely distribution of aid during humanitarian operations. Our main goal is to develop an innovative decision-making tool, essential for non-profit organizations and governments that aims at the prompt selection of the location of the distribution center of humanitarian aid, in cases of natural or human-made disasters. The proposed tool is based on network science principles and can be used for selecting a suitable node for the installation of a distribution center during the beginning of a humanitarian crisis, considering that networks have a volatile nature and require quick decisions. For the configuration of the proposed tool we use a combination of a classical heuristic algorithm and predictive models based on a binary classification problem with the support of a supervised deep neural network. It is developed using the R programming language with the contribution of the “Shiny” package (web application framework for R) along with other packages for network analysis, data manipulation and visualization.

Early Earthquake Disaster Response Management: The BSMI Humanitarian Aid Experience in Turkey

On February 6, 2023, the regions of Turkey and Syria were struck by a devastating earthquake during the winter season, resulting in numerous casualties, injuries, displacement, and infrastructure damage. In response, the Turkish president appealed for international assistance, prompting the Indonesian Red Crescent to deploy a humanitarian aid team. The methods employed encompassed three stages: preparation, implementation, and evaluation. The implementation phase involved coordination, collaboration, and the distribution of humanitarian aid. The distribution of essential items such as ready-to-eat food, winter clothing, and medicine took place in Hatay Province and Kahramanmaras, Turkey. Effective coordination was established with the governments of Indonesia and Turkey, alongside collaboration with humanitarian agencies and Turkish medical organizations. Additionally, plans for the subsequent deployment of the medical team were reviewed. All activities were successfully executed and received positive feedback. The Indonesian Red Crescent successfully provided crucial assistance in response to the earthquake disaster in Turkey. The efforts encompassed various aspects, including aid distribution, coordination with relevant authorities, collaboration with partner organizations, and future planning. The outcomes achieved were noteworthy and yielded a positive impact.

Disruption of Aid Distribution to Flood Victims During Flood Disasters in Malaysia

This study examines factors that disrupted humanitarian aid in response to the flood disaster crisis in Malaysia. These factors if not identified and addressed will hinder aid support from stakeholders at large, especially the non-governmental organizations. This paper describes the two factors to have significantly disrupted the operation, which were uncoordinated information and collaboration deficiency. Using cross-sectional survey data collected from a sample of 153 NGO members, this study performed multivariate analysis in the theoretical model to test these factors. Results indicated that collaboration deficiency is the key factor that disrupted the aid distribution process. Findings from this study proposed a sound framework to improve humanitarian aid distribution thus to improve the quality and management of humanitarian supply chain to flood victims managed by NGOs during a crisis. In addition, for practitioners, this paper can help in improving the quality and management of humanitarian supply chain to flood victims managed by NGOs during flood disasters. The novelty of this study is achieved when the study successfully identifies the impact of uncoordinated information and collaboration deficiency that makes disruption of aid distribution during flood disaster.

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Objective. In the conditions of challenges to the existence of Ukraine as a state and the need to reform almost all spheres of life in Ukraine, the public danger of corruption offenses cause contempt and mutual distrust of people and power structures, which poses a threat to the national security of Ukraine and makes it impossible to develop a dialogue regarding the necessary measures to modernize social relations on the way of European integration of Ukraine. This requires a systematic analysis of the state of implementation of the anti-corruption policy in Ukraine and justification of the ways of fighting against corruption in the war conditions and in the post-war period. Methods. The following methods of scientific research were used: methods of analysis, synthesis and formalization; system-structural analysis; abstract-logical method for making theoretical generalizations and formulating of research conclusions. Results. Despite the fact that over the last decade, Ukraine has risen in the rating of corruption perceptions (Corruption Perceptions Index), calculated by the experts of Transparency International, due to declarative actions to build an anti-corruption system, it remains the second most corrupt country in Europe after the state sponsor of terrorism � the Russian Federation. The high level of corruption in the daily life of Ukrainian society, business, public administration and politicians questions the perspectives of Ukraine's post-war reconstruction, because the increasing competitiveness and maintaining competitive advantages largely depends on the effectiveness of the used organizational mechanism for managing the country's global competitiveness. Scientific novelty. As a result of insufficient attention of civil society to corruption during the Russian-Ukrainian war, the level and the spectrum of corruption risks in Ukraine is increasing, and such processes entail the problems of the appearance of additional corruption risks after the end of war, which can be summarized in the following directions: problems of effective implementation of reconstruction programs, growth of the political weight of public administration institutions and their capture of the most part of information space, non-transparent distribution of humanitarian aid, lack of political will, established models of pre-war and wartime corruption, weak rule of law and tolerant attitude of Ukrainian society to manifestations of corruption. Practical significance. From the point of view of the growth of corruption risks with the beginning of the active phase of the Russian-Ukrainian war, as evidenced by corruption scandals in the Office of the President of Ukraine, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, the Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine and a number of regional state administrations, the repressive side of anti-corruption policy should be significantly strengthened. It is expedient for Ukraine to focus its main attention on the creation of a reliable infrastructure for the effective distribution and use of foreign aid for those layers of the population and military forces that need it most of all. Keywords: public administration; local-self government; anti-corruption policy; corruption; Index of perception of corruption; anti-corruption institutions.

Public administration of employment of the population of rural territories under the conditions of marital state and post-war reconstruction

The scientific study highlights the general situation that has developed under martial law, namely mass migration of the population, reduction of the economically active population, reduction of labor and educational potential, significant civilian casualties, and an increase in the number of people with disabilities and psycho-emotional disorders. Attention is focused on the importance of the effectiveness of public policy in solving issues of promoting employment of the population, creating jobs, promoting self-employment and the development of entrepreneurship. The activities of local self-government bodies, namely, united territorial communities, regarding the solution of urgent issues regarding their functioning in new conditions, and especially meeting the needs of the army, accommodation of relocated enterprises, life support for internally displaced persons, formation and distribution of humanitarian aid, etc., were considered. The need to replace the passive measures of the state employment policy with active ones has been proven, namely, assistance in promoting employment through retraining, opening one’s own business, training, etc. It is substantiated that the development of employment in rural areas is possible through the support of non-agricultural activities, provided that there are no other agricultural areas of employment in the settlement. The advantages and disadvantages of the government program for the relocation of enterprises, the “eRobota” project, are considered, and the attention is focused on the effects of these programs both for the territory of the country as a whole and for rural territorial communities in particular. A method of solving the problem of agrarians regarding the disruption of logistics processes and transport connections by creating agro-logistics hubs is given. It is proposed to create multifunctional cooperative and communal procurement and sales points to support rural entrepreneurship and self-employment.

Humanitarian aid distribution logistics with accessibility constraints: a systematic literature review

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review the relevant literature in order to identify trends and suggest some possible directions for future research in the framework of humanitarian aid distribution logistics with accessibility constraints.Design/methodology/approachThe authors developed a systematic literature review to study the state of the art on distribution logistics considering accessibility constraints. The electronic databases used were Web of science, Scopus, Science Direct, Jstor, Emerald, EBSCO, Scielo and Redalyc. As a result, 49 articles were reviewed in detail.FindingsThis study identified some gaps, as well as some research opportunities. The main conclusions are the need for further studies on the interrelationships and hierarchies of multiple actors, explore intermodality, transshipment options and redistribution relief goods to avoid severe shortages in some nodes and excess inventory in others, studies of the vulnerability of transport networks, correlational analysis of road failures and other future lines.Research limitations/implicationsThe bibliography is limited to peer-reviewed academic journals due to their academic relevance, accessibility and ease of searching. Most of the studies included in the review were conducted in high-income countries, which may limit the generalizability of the results to low-income countries. However, the authors focused on databases covering important journals on humanitarian logistics.Originality/valueThis paper contextualises and synthesises research into humanitarian aid distribution logistics with accessibility constrains, highlights key themes and suggests areas for further research.

A simulation approach for collaborative humanitarian aid distribution management: the case of Bogotá city

Collaboration mechanisms in humanitarian supply chains increase efficiency levels in post-disaster relief operations. The scientific literature on the topic is mostly based on qualitative approaches to identify the barriers and benefits of collaborative relationships between stakeholders. Thus, this paper proposes the use of system dynamics simulation to evaluate the impact on the average response time of aid delivery resulting from implementing different collaborative strategies. In this sense, collaborative strategies are designed for humanitarian operations in the immediate response phase considering elements such as information exchange, shared resources, and infrastructure. To design and assess the impact of these collaborative strategies in a disaster scenario, we analyze the case of the city of Bogotá-Colombia and the surrounding cities, we have used public information for building and tuning the parameters of the simulation model. The simulation model results allow us to identify the main factors that reduce the average response times to serve the affected population. It can be concluded that the strategy which includes sharing resources and infrastructure, exchanging information, and the creation of joint knowledge has a greater improvement in response times becoming the best policy for disaster management given the results obtained in a collaborative planning environment.

Community-Based Organizations and Stakeholders’ Engagements: A Dialectics of Countering Violent Extremism and Humanitarian Service Delivery in North-East Nigeria

There is still little discussion on how community-based organizations (CBOs) may help counter violent extremism (CVE) in Nigeria. This research explores the implications of CBOs’ use of external networks for CVE and the distribution of humanitarian aid in North-East Nigeria. It finds that because CBOs depend so heavily on outside funding, they are constantly exposed to the demands and whims of donors. We therefore urge the government to prioritize CBOs in CVE programmes and operations to reduce external influence and to limit the spread of violent extremism in the region.

Stratified delivery aid plans for humanitarian aid distribution centre selection

Humanitarian aid distribution centres (HADCs) are essential for bridging the gap between stranded beneficiaries and relief aid during a disaster. We incorporate three delivery aid plans (DAPs), namely prioritization by relief items, speed of delivery, and disaster location, into the decision to select HADCs. While anticipating decentralized relief aid supplies, humanitarian practitioners face uncertainties in HADC selection. Grounded in Contingency Theory, DAPs assist in anticipating the uncertain relief aid supplies contingent on the external environment. Hence, HADC selection must incorporate DAPs in pursuit of three performance criteria, namely efficiency, effectiveness, and equity. We propose a stratified multi-criterion decision-making (MCDM) approach for HADC selection in the post-disaster planning phase to counter the uncertainty of decentralized relief aid supplies. We perform numerical studies of the proposed dynamic model using the data on Cyclone Fani. The results show that HADC selection incorporating DAPs is more robust and impactful. We also conduct sensitivity analysis to examine the trade-offs between the performance criteria.

Regulatory and legal provision of food security in the conditions of the legal regime of maritime status (problem statement)

Problem setting. The right to an adequate level of social security, including a sufficient number of quality foodstuffs, is enshrined at both the international and national levels. Consumption of food is an integral part of human life, and therefore, food security is an urgent task of the state. Analysis of recent researches and publications. In turn, the selected issues were studied by the following specialists: V. P. Samokysh, O. V. Tarasyuk, V. R. Shishlyuk and others. Despite the sufficient number of scientific studies on this issue, in the context of full-scale armed aggression by Russia against Ukraine, we believe that the chosen issue is relevant and deserves detailed analysis within this study. The target of the research is to analyze the regulatory and legal framework for food security in the legal regime of martial law. The object of study – the legal relations that arise in the process of implementation and provision of food security in the legal regime of martial law. The subject of the study is directly the analysis of legal norms in the field of food security, in particular, in the legal regime of martial law. Article’s main body. The article studies the issues of regulatory and legal support of food security in the legal regime of martial law, analysis of regulations in this area, explores the meaning of “food security” in the legal regime of martial law. The chosen issue is especially relevant today, as the event that took place on February 24, 2022, namely the full-scale armed aggression by the Russian Federation (hereinafter – Russia) against Ukraine, caused problems of both legal and socio-economic nature, which negatively affect the functioning of the food security system not only in our country, but also in other countries, as Ukraine is a recognized exporter of certain foods (cereals and oilseeds, etc.) to global markets. Therefore, in order to provide the population with necessary food and non-food products, as well as to prevent food crisis, both domestic and foreign markets, the legislator has developed and implemented a number of regulations of different levels of hierarchy, the content of individual norms or groups of norms aimed at preventing, overcoming and neutralizing the negative consequences of the functioning of the food security system of Ukraine. In particular, it should be emphasized that the content of these regulations relates to the order of economic activity under martial law, rules and procedures for providing the population with sufficient food in sufficient quantities (especially in regions where active hostilities), issues of use agricultural lands, rules and procedures for import and further distribution of humanitarian aid on the territory of Ukraine, etc. Conclusions and prospects for the development. Ensuring food security of the population in the legal regime of martial law is one of the priorities of the state. Quality food in sufficient quantities is one of the factors that directly affects the level of social security. Russia’s armed aggression poses threats and challenges to the functioning of the national economy, as it effectively eliminates opportunities for economic activity in Ukraine, and thus has a very negative impact on the functioning of the food security system not only in our country but also in the world. in general.

A fuzzy multi-criteria approach based on Clarke and Wright savings algorithm for vehicle routing problem in humanitarian aid distribution

A fuzzy multi-criteria approach based on Clarke and Wright savings algorithm for vehicle routing problem in humanitarian aid distribution