SONGSOPTOK: Let us forget for a moment the UN definition of
‘humanitarianism’. What is your personal definition? In what context would you
apply the word?
STEVE BAKER: Helping people who need
help.
SONGSOPTOK: What, according to you, are the specific types of events that
call for humanitarian actions?
STEVE BAKER: Hunger, abuse, war, natural
disasters, poverty.
SONGSOPTOK: Why, in your
opinion, do countries and societies even need humanitarian actions, often initiated
and coordinated by the so called first world economies?
STEVE BAKER: Because those problems in
the previous question exist, and we’re all in the same boat.
SONGSOPTOK: Can individuals play a significant role in initiating or
participating in humanitarian actions? In what way?
STEVE BAKER: Of course they can. Without
individuals, there can be no mass actions.
SONGSOPTOK: What should be
the role of the world community, especially organizations like the UN, to
encourage humanitarian actions in different countries, especially those
suffering from internal war or external aggression? Do you think that their
efforts are sufficient? If not, what else should be done to help the countries
/ societies / populations in need?
STEVE BAKER: I don’t really know what
more can be done.
SONGSOPTOK: What should ideally be the role of the governments in
humanitarian actions – both in afflicted countries and in the other countries
of the world? Are government activities sufficient in this context?
STEVE BAKER: I think both private and
government responses are necessary.
SONGSOPTOK: In your opinion, do religious institutions
play an important role in humanitarian actions? In your own experience, what
kind of actions have you witnessed that have been pioneered by religious
institutions?
STEVE BAKER: I think they do sometimes. I
don’t know of any specific actions. Mother Teresa?
SONGSOPTOK: Non Governmental
Organizations (NGO) are often in the forefront of humanitarian actions and yet
there have been widespread criticism about the efficacy and utility of NGOs in
different countries, especially in Asia & Africa. What is your own
experience? Should NGOs be given more power and independence where humanitarian
actions are concerned?
STEVE BAKER: No. I’m already unhappy with
the amount of money some of these organizations actually utilize for the
benefit of othes.
SONGSOPTOK: What should be
the aim of humanitarian actions in afflicted countries – short term relief or
long term actions that would help societies build up their own strengths and
resources? Please share your knowledge or experience about long term actions
undertaken anywhere in the world.
STEVE BAKER: I don’t really know except that I think people
should be made self-sufficient where possible.
SONGSOPTOK: It is often seen that the strongest help and support comes from
within the communities affected by conflicts or natural disasters. How, in your
opinion, can communities be empowered to successfully face such situations?
What, in this context, could be the role of formal or informal grassroots
organizations?
STEVE BAKER: I believe the rich must be
made to pay their fair share. That means raising taxes on the rich, especially
in the US.
SONGSOPTOK: Women and children are most vulnerable in situations of
conflicts or disasters. What, according to you, are the specific actions that
need to be taken to ensure the safety and security of women and children?
STEVE BAKER: I really couldn’t say.
SONGSOPTOK: How do you, as an individual,
practice humanitarianism? Is it an important part of your value system &
mental make-up? Please share your thoughts and experiences with us.
STEVE BAKER: It is important to me and
should probably be more important. There are several organizations I contribute
to annually.
STEVE BAKER . POET
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