Online event by the ICRC

https://www.icrc.org/en/event/event-ihl-humanitarian-action-exploring-pathways-peace

Summary:

A discussion between panellists specialising in humanitarian law and representatives from the Red Cross. The role of humanitarian law in the peace process, and particularly the role of humanitarian principles and actors in peace. Peace is built on cooperation, mutual respect and protection of our shared humanity. IHL is the first victim in times of conflict due to a lack of restraint; however, restraint is necessary for peace to be maintained following conflict. In times of peace, IHL or ICL cannot be taken on their own but must work together to indicate what can be done to achieve transitional justice. Red Cross organisations struggle when it comes to talking about peace due to having to find the balance in maintaining humanitarian principles. Neutrality has to be consistently shown through behaviours, something no state can claim, which allows humanitarian agencies to act as intermediaries.

Reflection:

The ending of conflict does not generally come about because one armed group achieved victory, but due to the fatigue of the environment and people. Humanitarian organisations can contribute by putting humanity first. With the wars of today being more protracted, people cannot wait as long for alleviation of trauma and damages and the role of humanitarian organisations in acting as intermediaries and following the principle of neutrality is increasingly important.

The discussion deepened some assumptions that I already have began to question around neutrality and the effectiveness of foreign aid. The webinar/book launch discussed how deeply aid is entangled with political survival and power structures. I found the concept of “militianized states” particularly striking. It spoke about how aid can unintentionally sustain conflict economies. The authors’ call to redirect resources toward community-led, locally grounded initiatives resonated with humanitarian values of empowerment and dignity and grassroots humanitarianism. It left me reflecting on whether genuine humanitarianism can exist solely through engaging in small scale community led initiatives or if confronting the political systems that distort aid is a better long term solution.