The positions, actions and strategies of armed forces play an essential role in securing or endangering the scope for humanitarian action in situations of armed conflict, as do the positions, actions and behaviour of the humanitarian actors themselves. The relations between humanitarian and military actors thus play a key role in the future scope of humanitarian action.

This document looks primarily at how SCHR agencies consider relations with armed forces in situations of armed conflict, or natural disasters taking place in contested environments. This paper contributes to the current debate on humanitarian-military relations and fosters a better understanding of the respective roles and the necessity for humanitarian actors to commit to the positions elaborated herein. It is intended to inform and guide the internal policies and practical guidance of SCHR agencies.

SCHR Position Paper onHumanitarian-Military Relations

(Policies and guidelines)
(Position papers)