This thesis is concerned with determining the effectiveness of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights in the contexts where the host state is either unwilling or unable to fulfill...Show moreThis thesis is concerned with determining the effectiveness of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights in the contexts where the host state is either unwilling or unable to fulfill its duty to protect. Through conducting an analysis of the conduct of garment sector companies in Myanmar and the commitments of their home states, this thesis finds that home states remain reluctant to regulate the conduct of their businesses abroad and that businesses themselves are insufficiently incentivised to apply all the recommendations set out in the UNGP's. In contexts that lack effective regulation by the host state this is problematic as it creates governance gaps in which human rights violations conducted by foreign corporations are insufficiently prevented, addressed and/or remediated.Show less
This thesis situates the concept of humanitarian accountability within “a historical and concrete reality” (Brauman and Neuman 2014, 1). A preliminary investigation of the academic literature...Show moreThis thesis situates the concept of humanitarian accountability within “a historical and concrete reality” (Brauman and Neuman 2014, 1). A preliminary investigation of the academic literature establishes humanitarian accountability as a matter of moral as well as practical concern for humanitarian organisations. Despite this it is also found that the concept of humanitarian accountability has been poorly defined, and research as to its practice is severely lacking. Through the investigation of two distinct humanitarian organisations this research therefore explores the degree to which theoretical standards for humanitarian accountability translate into practice under the multiple constraints faced within the humanitarian sector. The evidence drawn from a qualitative examination of the practice of humanitarian accountability at the World Food Programme and at Médecins Sans Frontières is discussed in a comparative analysis, which reveals that lacunae in the understanding of basic concepts engenders deficiencies in the practice of humanitarian accountability at both organisations. This demonstrates the need for continued academic research in the field of humanitarian aid in order for organisations to pursue an informed course of action and maintain the ability to place the vulnerable individuals in need of assistance at the heart of their endeavours.Show less
This thesis investigates why the EU has changed its response to the rise of the populist radical right within its member states through a case study of Austria. Within the timeframe of the 2000 and...Show moreThis thesis investigates why the EU has changed its response to the rise of the populist radical right within its member states through a case study of Austria. Within the timeframe of the 2000 and 2017 Austrian elections, this thesis reveals that due to a number of international events and trends, the populist radical right has been increasingly empowered and legitimized as mainstream. It demonstrates that through this legitimization, the political ideology of the populist radical right has influenced European politics on a national and cross-regional level. This consequentially has led to a change in approach to the rise of such politics in member states by the EU, specifically Austria, and illustrates a difficult debacle for the EU with regards to its integrity.Show less
This thesis examines the divergences in the implementing of the Responsibility to Protect by regional organizations. Especially, it addresses the following research question: How does the...Show moreThis thesis examines the divergences in the implementing of the Responsibility to Protect by regional organizations. Especially, it addresses the following research question: How does the implementation of the Responsibility to Protect by regional organizations in the Libyan civil war differ from that in the South Sudanese civil war? This thesis focuses on the following regional organizations: the African Union (AU), the League of Arab States (LAS) and Intergovernmental Authority and Development (IGAD).Show less
Scholars and humanitarian aid organizations alike continue to debate the effectiveness of varying methods of aid distribution in areas of protracted crisis. This thesis contributes to the field of...Show moreScholars and humanitarian aid organizations alike continue to debate the effectiveness of varying methods of aid distribution in areas of protracted crisis. This thesis contributes to the field of knowledge and research on the impact of interagency coordinated humanitarian responses to food insecurity amid civil war in South Sudan using measured IPC data, and furthermore explores how local actors and organizations in the region ‘measured up’ in their willingness and ability to assist in increasing food security in South Sudan in 2016.Show less
This thesis is in accordance with the requirements for the completion of the International Relations Master Program. First, the aim of this thesis was to test the existing theory that a failed or...Show moreThis thesis is in accordance with the requirements for the completion of the International Relations Master Program. First, the aim of this thesis was to test the existing theory that a failed or collapsed regime is a necessary component for the presence of a change in witchcraft victimology from elderly women to urban children. This was done by analyzing the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic, Angola, and Ghana. The second chapter illustrates the state of the art of literature regarding the theories underlying this research, alternative explanations for a shift in victimology, and type of regimes present in African states. The third chapter explains the between-case multi-criterial analysis conducted to ascertain each case’s regime type and the presence (or lack thereof) of a shift in witchcraft victimology. The fourth chapter relays the results of the analysis where it was determined that out of the four cases, two were in accordance with the existing theory, and two refuted it. The fifth and final chapter concludes this thesis by critically examining the results and methodology and a conclusory statement claiming that a collapsed and failed regime is neither a necessary nor sufficient condition for the shift in victimology of witchcraft accusations from elderly women to urban children.Show less
This study examines the supply chain of cobalt from the Democratic Republic of Congo and as such put emphasis on the need for transnational resource control in utilising critical raw materials...Show moreThis study examines the supply chain of cobalt from the Democratic Republic of Congo and as such put emphasis on the need for transnational resource control in utilising critical raw materials needed for low carbon technologies originating in conflict-prone states. In contrast to other studies, we analyse the extractive industry of a critical raw material originating in the Democratic Republic of Congo rather than focussing on the conflict minerals in the east of the country. First, we identify several barriers to utilization of critical raw materials in general. Additionally, we apply these barriers to the national and transnational trade dimensions that have affected the utilization of cobalt in recent years. Using single-case analysis, we find barriers in both the artisanal mining industry and the formal extraction industry. We find evidence of a clear absence of national and transnational regulated due diligence standards. Moreover, we demonstrate that transnational governance initiatives contribute to a solution in the cobalt mining industry in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Finally, we demonstrate that our findings can be applied more general and that transnational resource control is a remedy to the challenges in utilising critical raw materials needed for low-carbon technologies originating in conflict-prone states.Show less
This research looks at the emerging phenomenon of data collaboratives, specifically in the ‘crisis response’ sector, with which the private sector assists the public sector’s data-driven efforts to...Show moreThis research looks at the emerging phenomenon of data collaboratives, specifically in the ‘crisis response’ sector, with which the private sector assists the public sector’s data-driven efforts to prevent or respond to humanitarian emergencies. This research explores and explains why the private sector participates in crisis response data collaboratives. Through secondary literature analysis, and primary survey and interview analysis of three case studies, this research provides new insights into data collaborative objectives, the private sector’s activities, the incentives and risks these collaboratives present for the private sector, and how it mitigates such risks. The research concludes that the private sector enters crisis response data collaboratives to help the public sector address one or more of its obstacles to creating data-driven solutions to societal problems, and occasionally to achieve additional objectives for the public good. Although the private sector is motivated by various incentives, sufficient mitigation of presented risks, especially risks to data subjects’ privacy and security, is a precondition to joining a crisis response data collaborative.Show less
For years, academics have focused on colonial past of Caribbean islands, not looking into what became of these non-sovereign jurisdictions. For this reason, this thesis focuses on the post-colonial...Show moreFor years, academics have focused on colonial past of Caribbean islands, not looking into what became of these non-sovereign jurisdictions. For this reason, this thesis focuses on the post-colonial relationship between a colonizer and colony, looking at the influence of smallness and non-sovereignty on the quality of governance. The relationship at hand is that within the Dutch Kingdom, between Aruba and the Netherlands; one that is constantly fluctuating. As Aruba has just celebrated 30 years of being an autonomous country within the Kingdom, it is a good time to reflect on the relationship, its influences and the quality of governance. It is apparent that there are also many advantages and disadvantages in the relationship; where each other’s support internationally is an advantage, and the Aruban mal-governance in the finance department is arguably the biggest disadvantage. The thesis elaborates on the influences of smallness, non-sovereignty and good governance on countries in general as well as on Aruba. The thesis ends combining all influences and concluding that there is no good governance in the jurisdiction and that its sovereignty is a bigger influence than smallness, as the island’s size cannot be changed. By using scholarly works, as well as media articles, archives and personal interviews conducted by the author herself; the thesis opens way for new research on the topic, as well as highlights the need for more discourse on the matter.Show less
Global drug policy has reached a crossroads. By legalising marijuana and making drug laws more lenient, some countries have blatantly disregarded the UN drug treaty system. Others have instead...Show moreGlobal drug policy has reached a crossroads. By legalising marijuana and making drug laws more lenient, some countries have blatantly disregarded the UN drug treaty system. Others have instead chosen to strictly enforce prohibition, using methods not approved by all2. As the UN pursues a unified approach, polarisation between those in favour and those against the current UN drug treaty system increases. Important benchmarks in the drug policy debate are the United Nations Special Sessions (UNGASS) on drugs, when the General Assembly (GA) reviews the performance of the UN drug control system. Two of the special sessions took place in 1990 and 1998. The next UNGASS took place almost eighteen years later in 2016 and the GA will continue the discussion in 2019. This renewed attention, after almost two decades of oblivion, highlights the need of the international community to revisit the debate on global drug policy in a time of mounting polarisation. This thesis will discuss to what extent the global drug policy debate has become more wide-ranging and open throughout the United Nations special sessions of 1990, 1998 and 2016?Show less
The focus of this thesis is to explain how women’s rights were integrated into the mainstream human rights' discussion with the following research question: “How does the United Nations’ role in...Show moreThe focus of this thesis is to explain how women’s rights were integrated into the mainstream human rights' discussion with the following research question: “How does the United Nations’ role in the intellectual history of human rights discourse help explain the Beijing conference as the turning point for women’s rights and what did the issue of violence against women do to contribute to the inclusion of women’s rights to human rights?”Show less
The Millennium Development Goals were a global endeavour to achieve pro-poor human development between 2000 and 2015. Although adopted by 189 heads of state, few governments of developing countries...Show moreThe Millennium Development Goals were a global endeavour to achieve pro-poor human development between 2000 and 2015. Although adopted by 189 heads of state, few governments of developing countries took ownership of the Goals by adjusting their national policies to UNDP guidelines for accomplishment. This research finds a correlation between ownership and MDG achievement by studying the policies and progress of Burkina Faso, Uganda and Kenya. The findings are used to argue for strategic cooperation between the UNDP, World Bank and IMF for successful pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals.Show less
This thesis describes the role of the principles of self-determination and sovereignty in the Security Council debates about the Indonesian dispute in 1945-1950.
This study provides a comparative case study on the role of the World Bank on post-conflict development. The selected cases are Ethiopia and Eritrea, that split after the war of independence in...Show moreThis study provides a comparative case study on the role of the World Bank on post-conflict development. The selected cases are Ethiopia and Eritrea, that split after the war of independence in 1993. This study researches the development paths of both countries, the approaches taken by the World Bank in both Ethiopia and Eritrea as well as in the international context, and the other development actors at play. In this study is revealed that the approaches of and the impact of the World Bank have been significantly influenced by other variables: domestic governance, international relations, and the global economy. These factors led to the fact that the impact of the World Bank has been marginalized in both countries.Show less
The group of non-traditional bilateral aid donors is growing. Among these non-traditional donors are emerging donors, which can be characterized as countries which are both donor and recipient of...Show moreThe group of non-traditional bilateral aid donors is growing. Among these non-traditional donors are emerging donors, which can be characterized as countries which are both donor and recipient of aid. Emerging donor’s motives for aid provision are largely disputed. China, among others, is accused of acting out of self-interest, harming sustainable development and supporting rogue states. According to some estimates, China has become the second largest bilateral donor, and it is therefore an important player in the aid landscape. This study is aimed to clarify what China’s aid motives are and how they change over time. An analysis of policy documents and announcements present the official aid motives. An Ordinary Least Squares regression analysis of data provided by AidData (2016) allows for an examination of actual aid allocation. The results indicate that there is a discrepancy between the official and actual aid motives. The results also show that, between 2000 and 2014, China decided which countries would receive aid based on economic and strategic (self) interests. Among those countries which receive aid, the commitment was larger when the population was more in need. Strategic interests became more important over time whereas humanitarian needs became less important. Future research is needed before these results can be generalized and a consensus for all emerging donors can be established.Show less
The role of interpretation as a research tool in social studies has been quite neglected. Yet, its use could be highly beneficial to try and provide alternative explanations to current world issues...Show moreThe role of interpretation as a research tool in social studies has been quite neglected. Yet, its use could be highly beneficial to try and provide alternative explanations to current world issues. This thesis will therefore aim to furnish a comprehensive assessment of interpretation to understand the effects the latter can have on human rights practices. Looking at the most ratified human rights treaty in history, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, as a case in point will show that although interpretation triggers development and can advance children’s rights, it nonetheless perpetuates inequalities for children from one country to another, and with it, undermines the role of universality human rights treaties aim to attain.Show less
Measuring success of Peacekeeping operations is an ongoing methodological challenge. This study aims at making a contribution towards the creation of a unified method to evaluate missions by way...Show moreMeasuring success of Peacekeeping operations is an ongoing methodological challenge. This study aims at making a contribution towards the creation of a unified method to evaluate missions by way studying them through the lens of Human Security. The paper reviews the extent to which the three Peacekeeping operations deployed in the Middle East (UNTSO, UNDOF & UNIFIL) have in providing or facilitating Human Security and finds that while the missions have created successful inter-operation cooperation and have evolved from their first-generation mandates, the UN needs to make Peacekeeping more people-centered in order to ensure lasting peace, progress and prosperity. This research is both theoretically driven and policy-oriented and hopes to fill the gap in the literature of how can Peacekeeping be coupled with Human Security.Show less
Given the potential for climate change to drastically affect or cause human displacement and statelessness, this paper asks: given the restrictions posed by its global mandate, how has the response...Show moreGiven the potential for climate change to drastically affect or cause human displacement and statelessness, this paper asks: given the restrictions posed by its global mandate, how has the response of the UNHCR toward the issue of climate change induced migration developed over recent years? This paper contributes to the climate change and refugee literature by gauging whether the global state collective represented at the UN level via the UNHCR accepts responsibility for climate change induced displacement, or whether it shifts the burden of addressing and counteracting the problem of environmentally induced migration onto specific countries, regions, or other organisations.Show less
