The modern roots of humanitarianism are in the 19th century, including an enduring paternalistic notion towards those in need. The regulation of conflict was also a key driver – the International Committee of the Red Cross regarded as the first international humanitarian organisation.
The end of the Second World War is key to our current architecture – with the legal frameworks and moral impulse to protect human dignity enshrined in the creation of the UN. But despite the lofty vision of its founding, humanitarian action is intensely political.
IRIN explores the state of the humanitarian enterprise.