International Legal Frameworks for Humanitarian Action

Topic Guide

• Menu
• Summary A brief summary of the relevant frameworks, key provisions and implications for humanitarian assistance
• Concepts An overview of the relevant legal frameworks for humanitarian action, sources of law, principles and provisions for protection and assistance
  • Introduction to International Law
  • Overview of International Humanitarian Law
  • Overlapping Areas of Law – Toward a Comprehensive Legal Framework
  • Humanitarian Principles and Humanitarian Assistance
  • Resources and References
    
• Challenges A briefing on current policy and implementation issues, challenges and debates
  • The Emergence of International Disaster Response Laws, Rules and Principles
  • IHL and Humanitarian Assistance involving Non-State Armed Groups
  • The Responsibility to Protect
  • Compliance with and Enforcement of IHL
  • Resources and References
    

 

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International legal frameworks for humanitarian action provide guidance on delivering assistance in a variety of challenging contexts. They can also be powerful tools in advocating for, and achieving, the protection of civilians.

About this Topic Guide

This GSDRC Topic Guide was written by Huma Haider in 2013. Its production was supported by the UK Government.

GSDRC appreciates the contributions of: Heike Spieker (German Red Cross and University College Dublin); Bhavani Fonseka (Centre for Policy Alternatives, Sri Lanka); Ceri Hayes (Independent Gender Consultant); Michael Meyer (British Red Cross); Allehone Abebe (UNHCR Geneva); and Deborah Baglole (DFID).

GSDRC Topic Guides are thematic knowledge and evidence resources designed to support decision-makers working in international development and humanitarian assistance. This guide is the first in the series to have a more flexible, modular structure for greater ease of use. We welcome your feedback at enquiries@gsdrc.org.

Suggested citation:
Haider, H. (2013). International legal frameworks for humanitarian action: Topic guide. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham

Image © UNHCR / B. Diab.

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