Moral and Ethical Dilemmas

Humanitarian work is altruistic; however, it is not without is challenges. Often, humanitarian professionals are faced with situations that challenge their moral and ethical platform.

This is a reality that humanitarian and social service professionals must consider. For example, if one is working outside of his or her country of origin, there might be laws that prohibit certain services or access to services that one normally would be able to provide.

As you review this week's Learning Resources, think about how you might address moral and ethical challenges in this type of work.

When you are faced with such situations, how will you manage to maintain your moral and ethical standards within imposed limitations?

To prepare for this Discussion:

Read Chapter 2 in the course text. Consider how humanitarian professionals can face ethical and moral dilemmas in their professional work.

Search the news, Internet, or Walden library for a current event that depicts a dilemma related to humanitarian efforts. It may be in your local community, region, or country, or it may be a global event.

Note: You may wish to start your search at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs website, located in the Learning Resources.

Consider how this dilemma creates an ethical or moral challenge to humanitarian professionals. For example, you may find an instance in which medical assistance is denied to children in need because a law exists prohibiting certain surgical procedures for children.