Q1b. International aid is an accepted form of helping ‘resource-challenged’ nations. Comment on ‘ethics in contemporary international aid’. Support your answer with suitable examples.

Model Answer:

Introduction

International aid is an essential tool for supporting resource-challenged nations, but its ethics have been widely debated. 

Body

Key ethical considerations include:

• Transparency and Accountability: Aid must be allocated transparently to ensure it reaches those in need. Mismanagement can undermine its effectiveness.
  • For instance, after the 2010 Haiti earthquake, the Red Cross faced criticism for the lack of transparency regarding its funds, leading to a gap in actual assistance​
• Sovereignty and Autonomy: Aid must respect the sovereignty of recipient nations, ensuring that local governance and decision-making are not undermined. 
  • For example, aid during the Syrian conflict often bypassed the local government, which led to issues related to sovereignty​
• Intentions Behind Aid: Ethical concerns arise when aid is driven by geopolitical or strategic interests rather than humanitarian motives. U.S. aid to Pakistan during the Afghan conflict is an example, where strategic goals overshadowed development priorities​ 

Measures to deal with the challenges of ethics in contemporary international aid: 

• Clear reporting systems and audits will ensure that funds are used effectively. 
• Involve local communities in decision-making. 
• Focus on sustainable development, like teaching farming methods instead of providing food. Example: "Heifer International" trains communities to raise livestock for self-sufficiency. 
• Partner aid with advocacy for systemic changes, such as fair trade policies or conflict resolution efforts. 

Conclusion

‍While international aid remains critical, its ethical concerns demand a careful balance between humanitarian goals and respect for sovereignty, transparency, and local empowerment.

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