Principes of Humanitarian Action in International Humanitarian Law

Author(s)
Mackintosh, K
Publication language
English
Pages
19pp
Date published
01 Mar 2000
Type
Research, reports and studies
Keywords
International law, Principles & ethics
Organisations
ODI
While ‘humanitarian principles’ are increasingly looked to as a rudder with which to steer a course through the murky waters of relief provision in complex emergencies, there is also a sense that international humanitarian law may provide the key to workable humanitarian principles. After all, the ICRC operates according to international humanitarian law, and the ICRC principles, elaborated over a long history of action in conflict, seem to serve it well.
 
In view of this interest, this study aims to clarify the status and content of the principles of humanitarian action in international law. Beyond clarification, however, it is hoped that it will contribute to practice in two ways:
  • First, an understanding of the extent to which these principles are supported by international law can strengthen arguments for their observance. The weight of international law may serve as a negotiating tool, both within the humanitarian community and between the community and local authorities. 
  • Secondly, legal doctrine may help flesh out the content of the principles and so provide guidance in their implementation.