The Acceptance Approach
Obtaining consent and building acceptance
is a fundamental part of humanitarian
principles. Acceptance is for the majority the most
desirable means to ensure safe programming
for organisations. Often organisations have policies and
procedures, which are based in the
acceptance approach, although practical steps
to test and build acceptance in the field have
room for improv
ement. Key components of an active acceptance
approach are outreach, investment of time,
communication and adherence to the
organisations mandate, objectives and
programmes. Those that agencies must build acceptance
with, is anyone who influences whether or not
an agency can program securely in their area
of operations. Acceptance needs to be gained from all
relevant parties including those that may
distrust the agency, feel threatened or harbour
active hostility.
