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MSF Speaking Out

Misinformation: Speaking out and the (ir)relevance of humanitarian principles

Exode Srebrenica. En juillet 1995, une offensive des milices serbes de Bosnie porte a la chute de l’enclave de Srebrenica. Abandonee par la communaute internationale, la population de l’enclave est alors deportee vers la Bosnie centrale controlee par les autorites de Sarajevo, tandis que plusieurs milliers d’hommes disparaissaient. MSF a soigne les blesses dans l’enclave pendant le siege (1994-1995).
© Art Zamur

MSF Speaking Out Case Study: MSF and the War in Former Yugoslavia 1991-2003 with a focus on Gorazde.

This is an advanced course on the Speaking Out Case Studies, which analyses speaking out dilemmas in depth, requiring enhanced reflection skills, which can be transferred to contemporary contexts. It is an interactive self-study course, which includes a learning journey, and a series of knowledge checks. The course includes two parts:

Part 1: Thematics based on speaking out, mis/disinformation, manipulation of aid, and the (ir)relevance of humanitarian principles.

This thematic includes concepts such as:

  • Instrumentalisation, diversion, and politicisation of humanitarian aid.
  • Disinformation: Obtaining, grounding, and adapting speaking out strategies based on credible and authentic data.
  • Reflection on the (ir)relevance of humanitarian principles going forward.
  • Examination of speaking out through the lens of calling for national inquiries by state actors.

Part 2: Case study analysis of speaking out dilemmas and mis/disinformation, with a focus on Gorazde.

Although any of the MSF Speaking Out Case Studies could be used to teach this thematic on speaking out and misinformation, the SOCS team chose the case study on MSF and the War in the Former Yugoslavia 1991-2003, (published in 2015) because of the specifics of the events which unfolded in Gorazde. This course introduces new case study materials focused on Gorazde. The thematic focus includes concepts such as disinformation, politicisation, and speaking out strategies.
 

The Learning Journey

What you need to know before starting the course.

Contents presented in 6 modules:

  1. Introduction to the course
  2. Case study on Gorazde
  3. Reflections on humanitarian principles & concepts
  4. The (ir)relevance of humanitarian principles & international humanitarian law today 
  5. Speaking out through the lens of calling for national inquiries by state actors: an examination
  6. Quiz/feedback/credentialing

Approximately 6-10 hours.
 

  • For optimal results, the recommended learning path is to first complete the foundational initial module, no matter your level of seniority or responsibility and then proceed to the course of your choice.
  • The topics are complex so plan to work over several sessions instead of all at once.
  • The course offers multimedia and interactive approaches.
  • Knowledge checks and evaluations should be completed to proceed. They are provided to assist in highlighting essential information.
  • A learning journal is provided with reflection questions.
  • Suggested readings are provided at the end of each section to explore topics further. 
  • To receive the course badge and certificate, please complete all courses modules.
  • A quiz score of 70% or better is required.
  • Upon completion of the quiz, you will be able to access your credentials. 

Knowledge Competencies:

  1. Analyse how far humanitarian principles and ethics are compromised while formulating critical approaches to speaking out.
  2. Examine the (ir)relevance of humanitarian principles and the normative international framework for today’s analysis and operations.
  3. Examine the concept of speaking out to the imperative to speak out based on humanitarian principles.
     

Skills Competencies:

  1. Ability to base speaking out on critical reflection, as discursive and constructive engagement with real-life contemporary humanitarian dilemmas.
  2. Ensure speaking out is grounded in experience and based on evidence where the methodology is explicit and set in specific political and historical context.
  3. Apply critical thinking skills to the working humanitarian principles of accountability and speaking out with regards to state power and mis/disinformation.
     

How to enrol


All students - internal and external - must register on TEMBO, the MSF learning platform, in order to access courses. Click on the button below to access the platform.

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