Knowra Humanitarian principles Humanitarian principles Humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence are principles that guide humanitarian action. They shape how assistance is delivered and help preserve access to people affected by crises.
Humanity : A humanitarian principle that seeks to prevent and alleviate human suffering and protect life, health, and dignity. It sets the purpose of humanitarian action: relieving suffering and safeguarding human dignity.
Henry Dunant : A Swiss humanitarian whose account of the Battle of Solferino helped inspire the Red Cross movement. His advocacy helped launch the movement that later articulated humanitarian principles.
Humanitarian access : The ability of humanitarian organizations to reach people in need and for those people to reach assistance. Neutrality and independence can support access across front lines and political divisions.
Do no harm : An ethical principle requiring assistance to avoid causing or worsening harm to people and communities. It complements the four principles but focuses on the effects of aid decisions.
Impartiality : A humanitarian principle requiring aid to be provided according to need, without discrimination among affected people. It determines who receives assistance and prioritizes the most urgent needs.
International Committee of the Red Cross : An independent humanitarian organization that protects and assists victims of armed conflict and promotes international humanitarian law. The ICRC’s work and doctrine are central to the principles’ development and interpretation.
Needs assessment : A systematic analysis of people’s needs, vulnerabilities, and capacities after a crisis. Evidence-based assessments help allocate assistance according to need, as impartiality requires.
Responsibility to Protect : A global political commitment that states should protect populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity. Its coercive and state-centered framework differs from principles guiding impartial humanitarian assistance.
Neutrality : A humanitarian principle of not taking sides in hostilities or engaging in controversies of a political, racial, religious, or ideological nature. It limits public and operational alignment with parties to conflict.
International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement : A global network comprising the ICRC, the International Federation, and national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies. The Movement formally adopted the principles as a common framework in 1965.
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