Humanitarian diplomacy in times of crises trends and challenges

الملخص EN

Despite efforts made to achieve peace in line with international charters, armed conflicts and the suffering that result from them are difficult to ignore.

Unfortunately, aid provision based upon principles of neutrality, protection, nondiscrimination, and independence have not kept humanitarian tragedies – sometimes even caused by military interventions launched under the guise of humanitarianism – from happening.

Often, the problem is worsened rather than solved and conflicts are fueled rather than deescalated.

This state of affairs is one of the main reasons behind the emergence of humanitarian diplomacy.

Humanitarian diplomacy is the process of persuading opinion leaders and policy- makers to act, at all times, on behalf of vulnerable people and with full respect for their human dignity.

To be sure, the basic concept of humanitarian diplomacy dates back to antiquity.

The practice was widespread during the life of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, as he would dispatch a chief negotiator before and after prophetic missions to spare lives and safeguard human dignity.

One can recall his wise position and judicious usage of diplomacy during a difficult encounter with the Quraysh when the latter nearly killed one another over who gets the honor to return the Black Stone to its proper place in the Kaaba after it was removed.

With the increase in the humanitarian intervention into conflicts and disputes, particularly over the past two decades, the term has been employed in an effort to enshrine, and create an effective framework for, humanitarian action.

During this period, humanitarian diplomacy and its administration have developed significantly, affording it a prominent position and status in international relations.

With this background in mind, this paper explores the concept of humanitarian diplomacy, delineates the concept, and examines its historical lineage.

Through observation of its objectives and aims, the research highlights its role in, and importance to, the field of humanitarian work while also outlining some of its main characteristics and features.

The thesis confirms that humanitarian diplomacy is an effective tool and constructive method used for achieving its noble ends.

Given its central role in modern relief work, humanitarian diplomacy remains the focal point of much debate and discussions.

The obstacles that impact relief operations more broadly invariably influence the administration of humanitarian diplomacy as well.

These challenges will be examined in depth.

In the interest of ending on a constructive note, the paper concludes with some recommendations and suggestions that could help improve this emerging, technical field.