Humanitarian action from an armed group’s perspective

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This document discusses the challenges faced by aid organisations in gaining access to conflict zones controlled by armed groups. The issue of consent, or rather the refusal to give consent to the provision of humanitarian aid, is at the heart of many humanitarian crises in contemporary armed conflicts. The article analyses different initiatives that have sought to address, clarify and/or reiterate international law applicable to these situations. The document also crucially highlights the problematic interpretations that some armed groups have concerning humanitarian principles. Finally, the document provides references to additional resources for those interested in learning more about humanitarian access in armed conflicts.

This article was originally published by SSRN.