The Evolution of International Humanitarian Action and the Ramifications of Increased Aid ‘Bunkerisation’ on Humanitarian Principles and Meeting Needs in Syria and Yemen

Abstract

The international aid system has experienced significant growth, with billions of dollars mobilised each year to address humanitarian crises. However, the majority of this funding is concentrated in a few chronic conflict zones, such as Syria and Yemen, where the ability of aid workers to deliver support is increasingly constrained by security and administrative challenges. The rise of "bunkerisation," where aid workers are isolated in secure compounds and reliant on outsourced local organisations or private contractors, has raised concerns about the effectiveness and ethical implications of humanitarian responses. While local organisations are tasked with delivering aid, they are often under-resourced and face greater risks, as evidenced by the disproportionate number of national staff casualties compared to international workers. Despite efforts to innovate and improve operational strategies in these settings, the humanitarian system is struggling to meet the growing needs of populations in conflict-affected areas. This essay examines the evolution of the international aid system, focusing on the challenges faced by humanitarian actors in Yemen and Syria, and argues that current responses are increasingly inadequate, as the humanitarian system is being pushed beyond its core mandate and compromised by political agendas