How does the relationship between humanitarian organisations and militaries function during humanitarian response? This paper explores how recent global developments have affected the relationship between military and humanitarian actors. It identifies key trends emerging from the literature on civil–military coordination in conflicts and natural disasters.
The paper also explores ongoing or emerging trends and challenges in the relationship between humanitarian and military actors broadly, charting the rise of international military engagement in humanitarian action and the overarching problems this poses to coordination with international humanitarian actors. Building on this it outlines aspects of the relationship that are specific to natural disaster contexts and explores civil–military coordination in relation to the protection of civilians. Finally, the paper offers some preliminary conclusions towards improving civil–military coordination in crisis contexts.
Key findings:
- In many of the most difficult operating environments, the relationship between humanitarian and military actors has been fraught and unconstructive. This is linked to a number of factors including differences in terminology, cultures and concepts. Perhaps the principal problem is the fundamental difference in the motivations, goals and approaches of military and humanitarian actors in their engagement in humanitarian action. Where the relationship has been more positive, this has been a result of consistent efforts on both sides to develop clear structures and mechanisms for coordination and leadership, particularly within the humanitarian community, and the deployment of dedicated capacities to support the coordination process. Also where there is common ground or shared goals, such as the protection of civilians, it has been possible in some instances to develop more effective engagement – particularly at the operational level.
- Neither military nor humanitarian actors adhere consistently to established guidelines and basic principles, it is not clear whether this is because of a lack of clarity in the guidance, a lack of basic awareness or institutional capacities or a lack of political will.
Recommendations:
