Humanitarian Relief Operations in Armed Conflict: IHL Framework

[This fact sheet provides general background on the rules of international humanitarian law relevant to humanitarian relief operations in armed conflict. It can also serve as a general basis for key messages on the topic. For contextspecific guidance, please contact the Policy Branch.]

Meeting civilians’ needs

Today, more than 141 million people across 37 countries need humanitarian assistance. A large proportion of this need arises in armed conflict.
Each State has the responsibility to meet the needs of persons in its territory or under its control. In armed conflict, organized armed groups also have the responsibility to meet the needs of civilians under their control when the State has not done so.
There are times, however, when the relevant parties fail to meet these needs. In such circumstances, humanitarian organizations can play a key role in the provision of assistance to persons in need. States may expressly seek outside help, or impartial humanitarian organizations may offer to carry out assistance activities.