symbolic vs meaningful presence --- Many humanitarian agencies are too focused on access to the affected population during negotiations that the meaningfulness of that presence takes a back sit. For example if you successfully secure access to detention places but none of your modalities are respected (eg. doors locked, always accompanied by a guard within earshot etc.) then is the access meaningful or just symbolic? and would refusal of such access have bigger impact than visiting but not really been able to do much? Big picture is always important in negotiations.

Source author: Marwa Shabbar marwashabbar@yahoo.com.au