An Interview with Andy Pendleton: The Diplomat

Throughout his adult life, American Andy Pendleton has been dedicated to providing humanitarian relief to civilians in war-torn regions all over the world. His experiences have exposed him to the harsh realities of war, including violence, death, suffering, and political turmoil.

Pendleton’s work with the United Nations and OCHA has taken him to various conflict zones, including Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh, where he assisted refugees who had fled violence in Myanmar. He first began his humanitarian career on the Thai-Cambodian border, where he worked in refugee camps managing the needs of those who had sought shelter from the Khmer Rouge and Vietnamese forces.

Over the years, Pendleton has gained recognition for his innovative approaches to ensuring the safety and effectiveness of U.N. relief operations. His work has taken him to countries like Afghanistan, Iraq, Sudan, Cameroon, Thailand, and Pakistan, where he has made significant contributions to humanitarian efforts.

After leaving OCHA in 2016, Pendleton continued his work as a consultant and emergency response coordinator for various non-governmental organizations. During a recent interview in Phnom Penh, he discussed the challenges facing the humanitarian sector, pointing to the growing obstacles in obtaining funding and support for countries in need, particularly in Africa.

Pendleton highlighted the impact of global media coverage on conflicts like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in Gaza and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which can overshadow other crises in need of attention and resources. He emphasized the urgent need for international support in addressing the silent crises in Africa, warning that the world is at a dangerous turning point that requires immediate action.