Oppressive Neutrality?

An examination of the current secular humanitarian discourse and its effect on religion, religious minorities, and policy practice in the Netherlands

Abstract

The steep increase in sectarian violence in Western European refugee centers caused uproar throughout the continent. European citizens wondered how this could happen in their backyard. Even though policy changes have been implemented to counter this threat, problems persist. The dominant secular discourse on humanitarianism seeks to address these challenges through a materialist approach. An analysis of the current discourse and its effect on humanitarian policy practice both internationally and at the national level reveals its limitations, suggesting that a reassessment of religion within humanitarianism is of paramount importance.