Comfortable with chaos: working with UNHCR and the NGOs - reflections from the 1999 Kosovo refugee crisis

Significant differences do exist between the military and humanitarian agencies, both in structure and approach. These differences will not disappear, but the tensions that result should be viewed as creative, not disruptive. The trick is to understand and accept the differences, bring together the positive strengths and focus them on overcoming crises.

The aim of this paper is to illuminate and interpret some personal reflections from the 1999 Kosovo refugee crisis, particularly as they relate to cooperation between military and non-military organisations.