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Humanitarian Principles

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May 1, 2024 3 minute read
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Humanitarian principles are the ethical and legal standards that guide humanitarian response. They are based on the principles of humanity (the need to protect human life and alleviate suffering), neutrality (the need to remain impartial and not take sides in conflict), impartiality (the need to treat everyone fairly and without discrimination), and independence (the need to remain independent of any political or military agenda).

Why is it important to learn about Humanitarian Principles?

Humanitarian principles are important because they help to:

  • Protect people in need
  • Ensure that humanitarian assistance is delivered in a way that does not do harm
  • Build trust between humanitarian organizations and the people they serve
  • Promote accountability and transparency in humanitarian action

What are the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence?

The four main humanitarian principles are:

Path to Humanitarian Principles

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We've curated two courses to help you on your path to Humanitarian Principles. Use these to develop your skills, build background knowledge, and put what you learn to practice.
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Reading list

We've selected 12 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Humanitarian Principles.
Frontline Diplomacy
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Examines the challenges of providing humanitarian aid in conflict zones. It provides a detailed analysis of the legal and ethical issues involved, and it offers practical guidance on how to navigate the complex terrain of armed conflict. The author former UN humanitarian official with extensive experience in conflict zones.
Frontline Diplomacy: Humanitarian Aid and Conflict...
Paperback
$$
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Rethinking Humanitarian Intervention
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Examines the political dimensions of humanitarian intervention. The author argues that humanitarian principles are often used to justify political interventions that have little to do with humanitarian concerns. The book valuable resource for anyone interested in the politics of humanitarian aid.
Rethinking Humanitarian Intervention (Rethinking...
Paperback
$$$
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The Responsibility to Protect
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Explores the relationship between humanitarian principles and the responsibility to protect. It must-read for anyone interested in the humanitarian sector.
The Responsibility to Protect: From Promise to...
Paperback
$$
The Responsibility to Protect: A Defence
Hardcover
$$$
Responsibility to Protect
Paperback
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Global Politics and the Responsibility to Protect:...
Paperback
$$$$
The Responsibility to Protect and International Law
Paperback
$$$
Principles, politics, and Prudence: Libya, the...
Digital
$
The Responsibility to Protect: From Promise to...
Kindle Edition
$$
Responsibility to Protect
Kindle Edition
$$
Responsibility to Protect: A Defense
Kindle Edition
$$
Global Politics and the Responsibility to Protect:...
Kindle Edition
$$
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Complex Emergencies
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Explores the political dimensions of humanitarian action. It must-read for anyone interested in the humanitarian sector.
Complex Emergencies
Paperback
$$
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Internal Displacement and the Law
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Explores the challenges of implementing humanitarian principles in impartial ways. It thought-provoking read for anyone interested in humanitarianism.
Internal Displacement and the Law
Hardcover
$$$$
Internal Displacement and the Law
Kindle Edition
$$$$
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