Humanitarian crises, particularly in countries plagued by protracted conflicts or repeated natural hazards, are often far more complex than they appear on the surface. In such contexts, questions of ethics and accountability become front and centre, framing not only how assistance is provided but also whether it can be provided at all. A new publication from the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Institute provides some timely reflections on these challenges, offering guidance that is as relevant to policymakers and practitioners as it is to academic observers of humanitarian and development issues.