About IIHA
In 1992, as post-Cold War conflicts reshaped the nature of humanitarian action, a group of world leaders and experts in humanitarian response recognized the need for better-equipped humanitarian professionals. They established the Center of International Humanitarian Cooperation (CIHC) to train a new cadre of aid workers to perform in increasingly complex crises using the best techniques and technology available.
Through a multitude of multi-disciplinary academic courses in humanitarian action the CIHC offered lectures, case studies, seminars, practical exercises, and simulations in locations around the world.
In 2001, the CIHC developed the Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs (IIHA) at Fordham University to deepen the academic focus of its mission, and bridge the gap between academia and the practical work of humanitarian assistance. Throughout the past 20 years, 3,000 humanitarian workers from 140 countries have received this rigorous academic training.
The IIHA continues to evolve as modern-day crises, conflicts, and emergencies also persist and severely intensify. As we enter the 21st century, more people on earth endure conflict, natural disasters, and subsequent displacement than ever before. Simultaneously, the humanitarian system is overwhelmed with government funding for interventions failing to keep up to needs and humanitarian workers increasingly under threat.
Despite the challenges, we believe we need not be shocked into paralysis, but motivated to act. Collective and coordinated responses to humanitarian crises have never been more essential. Meeting multi-dimensional challenges of humanitarian action demands that good intentions be informed by practical experience, technical knowledge, and academic critique.
Grounded in social justice and humanitarian ethics, the Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs endeavors to make the global response to humanitarian crises dignified, effective, and sustainable.