Humanitarianism is as old as humanity itself. It is the compassionate and altruistic urge to help others struck down by sudden adversity. An innate and most noble human impulse. Thus, humanitarianism is an expression of solidarity with those afflicted by misfortune. Humanitarianism also demands that we stand firmly alongside those striving against oppression, and assist their struggle for dignity and basic human rights.
Political advocacy can also be a part of humanitarianism.
Or to cover-up for inadequate or failed development policies. But before fund-raisers grasp this excuse, perhaps it is worth asking if there may be alternative explanations. I believe that the public nowadays expects more than the simplistic portrayal of wars and famines. If my postbag is anything to go by, the public are more sophisticated than they are given credit for. They expect something to be done about the real causes behind the images on their television screens.