Paper short abstract:

This paper explores Somali diaspora humanitarianism, taking place in and across entangled spaces and scales. It examines the transnational mobilization of resources to Somalia during complex humanitarian crises and the underlying practices of care and moral obligation.

Paper long abstract:

This paper explores Somali diaspora humanitarianism as an example of vernacular humanitarianism taking place in and across entangled spaces and scales. Diaspora groups have emerged as key humanitarian actors in situations of protracted displacement and conflict. Somali diaspora organizations and individuals are often among the first to assist in acute emergencies, such as drought or flooding, and remain engaged during lengthy and complex crises. Their engagement is part of long-established practices of affect and care and a sense of moral obligation to help and support, often conducted through networks spanning Somalia, neighbouring countries, the Middle East and Western countries. It thus takes place along transnational and translocal scales.

Based on in-depth interviews with Somali-Danish and Somali-Swedish keypersons as well as NGO and development professionals in Denmark and Sweden, the paper examines how Somali diaspora groups mobilize, channel and deliver humanitarian assistance to Somalia during complex humanitarian crises as well as the often ambiguous relationship between the established humanitarian regime and diaspora actors. It particularly analyzes how affiliation and belonging can be mobilized for humanitarian engagement in different spaces, such as private homes, religious institutions, associations or professionally, and the practices and challenges of crisis relief.

Methodologically, the paper explores how diaspora humanitarianism can be studied through multi-sited fieldwork and proposes the concept of humanitarian infrastructures to refer to material, communicative and social facilitation of humanitarian support.