Ethics of Conducting Research in Conflict Settings

Humanitarian agencies are increasingly engaged in research in conflict and post-conflict settings.This is justified by the need to improve the quality of assistance provided in these settings and tocollect evidence of the highest standard to inform advocacy and policy change. The instability ofconflict-affected areas, and the heightened vulnerability of populations caught in conflict, calls forcareful consideration of the research methods employed, the levels of evidence sought, and ethicalrequirements. Special attention needs to be placed on the feasibility and necessity of doing researchin conflict-settings, and the harm-benefit ratio for potential research participants.