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Read all articles written by Liana Ghukasyan

Misinformation is not new – Humanitarian Action has always lived with it

Misinformation is not new – Humanitarian Action has always lived with it

by | 11 Mar 2026 | ,

Misinformation and disinformation are often described as defining illnesses of our time. Yet history shows they are far from new. Long before social media, falsehoods travelled through stone, parchment, pulp and radio waves, shaping power and fuelling fear. From Ramses II’s portrayal of the Battle of Kadesh as a triumphant victory to rumours during the Black Death accusing Jewish communities of poisoning wells, misleading narratives have repeatedly emerged in moments of crisis. Humanitarian action has also faced these dynamics, from early doubts about Henry Dunant’s accounts to rumours targeting aid workers in modern health emergencies. What distinguishes our moment is not their existence, but their speed, scale and precision.

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Maybe It’s Time for a New Principle: The Principle of Solidarity

Maybe It’s Time for a New Principle: The Principle of Solidarity

by | 30 Oct 2025 |

The world has changed — and so must our principles. As crises grow longer, deeper, and more interconnected, the Fundamental Principles that have guided us for six decades remain essential, but no longer sufficient on their own. Solidarity has always been at the heart of our Movement. Perhaps the time has come to name it — and claim it — as a principle for our future.

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Is Your Organisation Still Relevant?

Is Your Organisation Still Relevant?

by | 21 Jan 2025 |

Relevance is a word that resonates deeply in the world of humanitarian organizations. In an era marked by geopolitical upheavals, climate crises, and shifting societal expectations, remaining ‘fit for purpose’ is not just a lofty ideal—it is an existential imperative. Yet, how often do humanitarian organisations pause to ask themselves the uncomfortable question: Are we still relevant?

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Reflecting on the 34th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent: Humanity at the Core

Reflecting on the 34th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent: Humanity at the Core

by | 1 Nov 2024 |

The 34th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent has served as a pivotal moment for reflection and action within the humanitarian community. As we celebrate the advancements made in international humanitarian law, disaster response, mental health support, and pandemic preparedness, it is crucial to recognize the challenges faced in a politically charged atmosphere. The conference underscored the importance of maintaining the integrity and spirit of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement amidst rising geopolitical tensions. With a commitment to consensus-based resolutions, we witnessed both unity and division, reminding us of the delicate balance required to uphold our core humanitarian values. The collaboration between National Societies and governments, particularly in adopting resolutions that transcend political agendas, exemplified the essence of our Movement—one that prioritizes human dignity above all else. As we move forward, let us carry with us the lessons learned from this conference, ensuring that our mission remains steadfast and unyielding, focused solely on alleviating human suffering and fostering solidarity in an increasingly fragmented world.

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The Case for Truly Neutral Humanitarian Financing

The Case for Truly Neutral Humanitarian Financing

by | 11 Jul 2024 |

Humanitarian funding is skewed by political bias and must recover a credible sense of neutrality to address massive humanitarian needs. To achieve this, Liana Ghukasyan calls on governments to live up to their Good Humanitarian Donorship commitments and take action to ensure aid reaches those who need it most, regardless of geopolitical interests.

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Are we living in someone else’s future or are we creating our own?

Are we living in someone else’s future or are we creating our own?

by | 3 Dec 2019 | ,

It is obvious that in a turbulent environment that is in a state of constant change and new emerging humanitarian needs, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement faces new challenges but still needs to continue responding adequately to traditional ones. Looking at the long history of the Movement, one can see that the mandate of each component varies and has developed according to the needs of each era though still being bound by one common goal, which is to alleviate human suffering across the globe.  After 150 years of humanitarian action it is obvious that because of different mandates, the diversification of activities, a lack of cohesion and weak mutual ties, the Movement has become a loose entity.

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