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The ICRC's position on “humanitarian intervention”

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 April 2010

Abstract

• International humanitarian law cannot serve as a basis for armed intervention in response to grave violations of its provisions; the use of force is governed by the United Nations Charter.

• It is not for the ICRC to pronounce on the legality or legitimacy of such intervention.

• International humanitarian law applies when intervention forces are engaged in hostilities with one or more of the parties to the conflict.

• The ICRC seeks to promote the term “armed intervention in response to grave violations of human rights and of international humanitarian law”.

Type
Croix-Rouge et Croissant-Rouge/Red Cross and Red Crescent
Copyright
Copyright © International Committee of the Red Cross 2001

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References

1 Abiew, Francis Kofi, The Evolution of the Doctrine and Practice of Humanitarian Intervention, Kluwer Law International, 1999, p. 31.Google Scholar

2 Humanitarian Intervention, Legal and Political Aspects, Danish Institute of International Affairs, 1999, p. 11.Google Scholar

3 Case concerning Military and Paramilitary Activities in and against Nicaragua (Nicaragua v. United States of America), Merits, Judgment, I.C.). Reports 1986, para. 243.

4 Ibid., para 268.