Neutrality and the ICRC Contribution to Contemporary Humanitarian Operations
Author(s)
Ku, Charlotte; Caceres Brun, Joaquin
Abstract
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is one of the most widely recognized nongovernmental organizations in operation. The important role played by the ICRC in developing and monitoring international humanitarian law is often overlooked in the midst of discussions on the controversial issue of neutrality. This article considers these debates about the viability of neutrality as a guiding principle in contemporary relief operations, concluding that, although other approaches to relief and victim assistance are important, the ICRC effort to work with all parties can provide a useful bridge between pre- and post-conflict situations prior to achieving a longer-term solution.
