ABSTRACT
We can observe a growing discourse in the humanitarian sector to ‘localise’, ie provide national NGOs and civil society organisations with a leading role in affected countries. Yet, structural hierarchies and inherently discriminating practices based on solidified patterns of perception (frames) of local actors impede rapid progress towards this goal on the field level. In order to elucidate these mechanisms, I will from an anthropological perspective first outline the structural and discursive factors within the humanitarian system that serve as obstacles to more participatory and localised approaches. I will then present empirical data from my field research on the humanitarian action of a European NGO in Haiti after Hurricane Matthew. Despite a high degree of ethical concern and critical reflectivity among the management staff, many practices still exclude local actors, and the way they are framed reflects strong tendencies towards both securitisation and paternalism. Framing in general, and these frames in particular, authorise and justify specific policies and practices while precluding others. As a precondition for the humanitarian sector to change in the intended direction towards a stronger inclusion of the affected populations, participation/inclusion frames need to be better anchored and be endorsed. Only against the background of such frames can more localised practices successfully evolve.
