Sustainability and Social Justice

Date of Award

12-2017

Degree Type

Research Paper

Degree Name

Master of Arts in International Development and Social Change (IDSC)

Department

International Development, Community and Environment

Chief Instructor

Anita Fabos

Second Reader

Jude Fernando

Keywords

Disaster resilience, Sustainable Livelihoods Approach, UN OCHA Cluster Approach, Community Engagement, Humanitarian-Development Nexus, Capacity Building

Abstract

This research analyzes the role of the UN OCHA Cluster Approach in the context of Haiti after the 2010 earthquake. Gaps and shortcomings of the current humanitarian model are identified and the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach is considered as a model to be used as an instrument to inform the New Humanitarian school of thought. A recent history of Haiti and the political relationship to the international community will be reviewed as context that outlines the vulnerabilities that created a risk society leading up to the disaster. A brief history of the recent trajectory of humanitarian aid will be reviewed and the current model critiqued with examples of partnerships between the private business sector and the UN. Specific examples from the Agriculture and Shelter Clusters will be provided. Finally, policy recommendations will be made to better align the UN actions with its mission of building disaster resilient communities.

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