One of the world’s leading diplomats Sir John Holmes talks to Sri Lanka-born novelist and film maker Roma Tearne about the political dilemmas raised by humanitarian aid. Holmes was Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs at the United Nations between 2007 and 2010 when his work took him to some of the world’s biggest trouble-spots, Sri Lanka, Darfur, Somalia and the Congo. There he found UN humanitarian programmes were often tolerated but mistrusted and undermined by both sides in a conflict. His role was to be ‘a voice to the voiceless’ but, as he explains, that role was often depressingly difficult.

Holmes has been an advisor to two prime ministers, John Major and Tony Blair, and served as ambassador in Lisbon and Paris before joining the UN. He is currently director of the Ditchley Foundation, which aims to advance international learning, and co-chair of the International Rescue Committee UK. Tearne left Sri Lanka in the 1960s during civil unrest. Conflict in Sri Lanka forms the backdrop to much of her work.

Supported by Ian and Carol Sellars.