Local faith communities and groups are often key elements of civil society in humanitarian contexts. Can response by the international humanitarian system more effectively engage with such groups? Do national and international faith-based organizations (FBOs) have a particular contribution to make in forging these partnerships? What are the key barriers to effective partnership? How can active partnership with faith groups maximize the value of engagement with religion without threatening humanitarian principles, such as neutrality? This session reviews evidence with respect to these questions, drawing upon recent academic research and experiences of attempts at partnership with and between faith groups by representatives of a number of organizations active in humanitarian response and disaster relief.
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