Mutual Accountability

Since orientation, I've been thinking about MCC's approach of "mutual accountability" in service work overseas. I really wasn't sure how the people we have come to "serve" would in fact be accountable to us. I think I'm beginning to understand.

Let's begin by exploring one of the principles of the SPHERE standards for humanitarian assistance. SPHERE recognizes that "it is firstly through their own efforts that the basic needs of people affected by calamity or armed conflict are met", effectively recognizing the human dignity of potential aid recipients. The role of humanitarian agencies is defined in relation to this primary responsibility. Making a judgment on when, or the degree to which civil society (or local state) is not able to help themselves, is probably interpreted in as many different ways as there are humanitarian agencies in Haiti (a lot!).

To some degree, recognizing human dignity requires trusting civil society to make their own decisions (which may include mistakes). This may mean trusting that Haitians will use donations in ways they see fit, which may not be how the donors intended it to be used. As donors, are we willing to accept this? If we provide Haitians with cash, instead of blankets and rice, are we willing to trust that they will use this money in the best interests of their families and communities? Trust provides donor recipients with the privilege of also being accountable. With human dignity also comes responsibility.