The Four Humanitarian Principles

Principles of neutrality, impartiality, independence, and humanity are core elements of humanitarian response. These principles emanate from international humanitarian law. They have also been espoused by the United Nations (UN) to guide the process of providing humanitarian aid to people in disaster zones. These principles are specifically provided for in the UN General Assembly resolutions (46/184 and 58/114).

Neutrality implies that aid workers must not be found taking sides while aiding the victims of armed conflict or hostilities. Neither should they be engaged in any form of controversy that borders around religious, racial, ideological, or political issues.

Humanitarian aid workers should also carry out their duties without bias or impartiality. This means that their efforts must prioritize urgent cases of distress regardless of the victim’s ideological, racial, or social leanings.

The principle of independence posits that humanitarian efforts should not have military, political, or economic objectives. Also, the principle of humanity requires that human suffering be ameliorated regardless of where it is found, with emphasis on the most vulnerable.

Henry Street Settlement Housing and Employment Programs

New Yorker Stephen K. Robert, while serving on numerous charitable boards, founded the Source of Hope Foundation with his wife, Pilar Crespi Robert. Since forming the foundation, Stephen Robert has engaged in various humanitarian endeavors locally and internationally. In recognition of his impactful work, Stephen Robert was honored by Henry Street Settlement in 2019.

For over a century, Henry Street Settlement, a New York social service organization, has tackled pressing challenges in New York City, particularly those on the Lower East Side. Through 50+ programs, the organization addresses crucial areas such as health, housing, and employment.

Through its Transitional and Supportive Housing Program, Henry Street Settlement provides temporary emergency housing for victims of domestic violence and people who cannot afford housing. The program also offers permanent housing for individuals experiencing long-term or repeated homelessness.

In addition, Henry Street Settlement offers employment programs to help with job searches and career growth. These programs include skill-building, confidence-building, English language courses, and youth employment services. Further, the organization offers personalized staffing services to aid employers in hiring and retaining employees.

How Micro Insurance Ensures Financial Inclusion

Stephen K. Robert is a member of the board of trustees of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation and the Perez Art Museum of Miami. A renowned philanthropist, Stephen Robert, co-founded the Source of Hope Foundation with his wife. The foundation has provided microfinance opportunities to people across the Middle East, the United States, and Africa.

Financial inclusion refers to any financial or non-financial measures or policies implemented to ensure that low-income earners or people who are financially underprivileged have access to certain financial services.

Microfinance is instrumental in ensuring financial inclusion because it typically banks the unbanked. They provide micro-credit or small loans to individuals or households with low incomes. The micro-credit might be for various reasons ranging from health bills, educational bills, or to start a small business.

In addition to micro-credit facilities, microfinance companies provide other financial services like micro-insurance, pension, and other smaller credit products. All of these financial services make it possible for people with low-income backgrounds to streamline their cash flow and attain growth.