The relationship between public and private humanitarian action
1998 - 1999
Groupe URD carried out a research project on the different issues raised by the link between military and humanitarian actors. The research focused on three main areas : the law, operations and coordination.
The changing roles and functions being given to the military in areas connected to humanitarian aid, and even post-crisis situations, deserve to be followed closely as it becomes more and more common.
This issue was studied from two angles:
- Operational - defining different operators’ areas of action and expertise;
- Legal, including different mandates – What mandate for the United Nations, the OUA, the European Union, the OSCE and what role for Civil/Military operators?
Research was carried out in the field in the Balkans, in Central America and in Europe.
Various members of the team made presentations regularly during meetings, conferences and training courses for and at the request of State actors, particularly the armed forces, to take part in the essential work of clarifying mandates, roles and responsibilities.
In parallel, Groupe URD participated in the work carried out on this subject by the Prevention and Crisis management Commission of the HCCI (Haut Commissariat pour la Coopération Internationale).
