Community dignity at the centre of humanitarian inquiry
An agenda for verifying information, protecting sources, and understanding residents' needs.
A concept for development; not findings from empirical HIR research.
Humanitarian inquiry should begin with respect for residents and careful verification of information. This note proposes an approach; it is not a report on a particular incident.
Verify before publication
Community accounts should be compared with documents, independent sources, and responses from relevant parties. Uncertain information must remain clearly labelled.
Protect sources
Consent, confidentiality, and risks to residents must be considered before information is collected or presented.
Community needs
Access to education, healthcare, food, and housing can form research questions assessed through evidence and local context.
A question for further inquiry
What information can be verified without increasing risks to residents?
Methods / basis of writing
Concept note; not an empirical research report.
Sources & references
No empirical references yet; this article is an initial concept.
Limitations / verification status
Further evidence gathering and testing are required.
Disclosure of interests
A proposed area of development for HIR.