Humanitarianism

Humanitarianism

Introduction

The effects of global insecurity on different humanitarian operations characterized by increasing rates of casualties have drawn attention of the international policy makers. This has led to donor governments examining practical ways applicable in promoting operational security to support humanitarian action. Crises subject populations to forced displacement, and violence. Among the challenges associated with the humanitarian crisis, is lack of access to basic needs by the affected population and inadequate access to information by the aid providers. In addition, crises alter the cultural and social structures that affect the statuses of the men, women, and children in the society (Olsen, Carstensen, and Høyen).

Basic principles of International Humanitarian Law

International humanitarian law consists of rules used in times of armed conflicts to protect the victims of hostilities. The laws also restrict the methods of warfare employed during such situations. Humanity is one of the basic principles of international humanitarian law. The principle focuses on addressing suffering in the affected regions. It ensures the provision of emergency care to the affected populations wherever found. This results in protection of health and life of the affected populations. Principle of humanity ensures respect for a human being and promotion of their optimal health and wellbeing (van der Merwe).

Impartiality, which is the second basic principle of the international humanitarian law, focuses on prioritizing needs of the population in crisis. Principle of impartiality recognizes that, humanitarian actions should be basing on the severity of the human need. This entails responding to the most critical cases of distress without taking into consideration differences such as one's nationality, religious beliefs, race, social class or ideological opinions. Through this, the affected receive universal care irrespective of their differences (Sassòli).

The third basic principle of international humanitarian law is neutrality. Neutrality entails ensuring that, humanitarian agencies should never take sides in cases of crisis or engage in political, religious, racial or ideological controversies. The principle ensures that humanitarian agencies involved adopt an abstention position that involves not providing any military support to the belligerents. This implies that, neutrality entails abstaining from acts that can jeopardize or further the interests of the conflicting parties (Harvey et al.).

The fourth basic principle of the international humanitarian law is independence. This means that, the action taken by the humanitarian agencies should be autonomous from economic, military or any other objective. The principle ensures that, involved agencies do not act in interests benefiting them, but, act on the benefits of the affected population (Besiou, Stapleton, and Wassenhove).

The fifth principle of international humanitarian law is the principle of distinction. This principle protects the affected civilians, people and objects from destruction by military operations. It requires a distinction between military/combatants objectives and civilian objectives. It provides civilians who lose protection from this principle to take part in hostilities. The sixth principle is the principle of proportionality and necessity. Principle of proportionality and necessity states that, the belligerent can apply a particular amount of force to defeat the enemy. This takes into consideration the need for civilian protection during such events (Antaki).

The principle of humane treatment focuses on ensuring humane treatment of the civilians at all times. The last principle that guides humanitarian agencies in providing emergency support during crises is the provision of preferential treatment, protection and respect to the women and children. Crises predispose women and children to various forms of violence including rape, physical assault and mental torture, which affects their health and normal wellbeing (Besiou, Stapleton and Wassenhove).

Conclusion

Humanitarian principles are at a core of many international organizations. Humanitarian principles raise awareness about the basic rules of the organizations and their roles in armed conflict. They are set as rules that help to minimize the effect of conflict and remind the organizations of their line of duty.

Dissertation on David Rieff's thesis in "A Bed for the Night"

Introduction

The humanitarian agencies promote equity in accessing resources.