logo
Science Portal
Copyright © Médecins Sans Frontières
v2.1.5209.produseast1
About MSF Science Portal
About
Contact Us
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Privacy Policy
Terms of Use
Copyright © Médecins Sans Frontières
v2.1.5209.produseast1
In search of the 'new informal legitimacy' of Médecins Sans Frontières | Journal Article / Commentary | MSF Science Portal
Journal Article
|Commentary

In search of the 'new informal legitimacy' of Médecins Sans Frontières

Calain P

Similar Content
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Abstract
For medical humanitarian organizations, making their sources of legitimacy explicit is a useful exercise, in response to: misperceptions, concerns over the 'humanitarian space', controversies about specific humanitarian actions, challenges about resources allocation and moral suffering among humanitarian workers. This is also a difficult exercise, where normative criteria such as international law or humanitarian principles are often misrepresented as primary sources of legitimacy. This essay first argues for a morally principled definition of humanitarian medicine, based on the selfless intention of individual humanitarian actors. Taking Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) as a case in point, a common source of moral legitimacy for medical humanitarian organizations is their cosmopolitan appeal to distributive justice and collective responsibility. More informally, their legitimacy is grounded in the rightfulness of specific actions and choices. This implies a constant commitment to publicity and accountability. Legitimacy is also generated by tangible support from the public to individual organizations, by commitments to professional integrity, and by academic alliances to support evidence-based practice and operational research.

Countries

none

Languages

English
DOI
10.1093/phe/phr036
Published Date
30 Dec 2011
PubMed ID
22442647
Journal
Public Health Ethics
Volume | Issue | Pages
Volume 5, Issue 1
Issue Date
2011-12-30
Dimensions Badge