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Appendix E: Humanitarian Response Principles
- University of Michigan Press
- Chapter
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6 October 2008 FM 3-07 E-1 Appendix E Humanitarian Response Principles BACKGROUND E-1. Even in those situations where military forces are not directly involved , a focused and integrated humanitarian response is essential to reestablishing a stable environment that fosters a lasting peace to support broader national and international interests. Providing humanitarian aid and assistance is primarily the responsibility of specialized civilian, national , international, governmental, and nongovernmental organizations and agencies. Nevertheless, military forces are often called upon to support humanitarian response activities either as part of a broader campaign , such as Operation Iraqi Freedom, or a specific humanitarian assistance or disaster relief operation. These activities consist of stability tasks and generally fall under the primary stability task, restore essential services . This appendix outlines the guiding principles used by the international community to frame humanitarian response activities. E-2. Generally, the host nation or affected country coordinates humanitarian response. However, if the host nation or affected country is unable to do so, the United Nations often leads the international community response on its behalf. The principles that guide the military contribution to that response are fundamental to success in full spectrum operations. These principles reflect the collective experience of a diverse group of actors in a wide range of interventions conducted over decades across the world. They help to shape the humanitarian component of stability operations . E-3. United Nations General Assembly Resolution 46/182 governs the humanitarian response efforts of the international community. It articulates the principal tenets for providing humanitarian assistance— humanity, neutrality, and impartiality—while promulgating the guiding principles that frame all humanitarian response activities. These guiding principles are drawn from four primary, albeit separate, sources: InterAction and the Department of Defense. International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Appendix E E-2 FM 3-07 6 October 2008 Oslo Guidelines. Interagency Standing Committee. INTERACTION AND THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE E-4. InterAction is the largest coalition of U.S.-based nongovernmental organizations focused on the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people. Collectively, its members work in every developing country. Members meet people halfway in expanding opportunities and support gender equality in education, health care, agriculture, small business, and other areas. RECOMMENDED GUIDELINES E-5. The following guidelines facilitate interaction between American forces and nongovernmental humanitarian agencies (NGHAs). This latter group engages in humanitarian relief efforts in hostile or potentially hostile environments. Simply, these guidelines recognize that military forces and NGHAs often occupy the same space, compete for the same resources , and will likely do so again. When they share an operational area, both should strive to follow these guidelines; they recognize that extreme circumstances or operational necessity may require deviation. When aid organizations deviate from established guidelines, they must make every effort to explain their reasoning. E-6. Military forces use the following guidelines consistent with protection , mission accomplishment, and operational requirements: When conducting relief activities, military personnel wear uniforms or other distinctive clothing to avoid being mistaken for NGHA representatives. These personnel do not display NGHA logos on any clothing, vehicles, or equipment. This does not preclude the appropriate use of symbols recognized under the law of war, such as a red cross. U.S. forces may use the red cross on military clothing, vehicles, and equipment when appropriate . Military personnel visits to NGHA sites are by prior arrangement . NGHA views on the bearing of arms within NGHA sites are respected. NGHAs have the option of meeting with military personnel outside military installations for information exchanges. [3.85.85.246] Project MUSE (2024-03-29 08:12 GMT) Humanitarian Response Principles 6 October 2008 FM 3-07 E-3 Military forces do not describe NGHAs as “force multipliers” or “partners” of the military, or in any fashion that could compromise their independence or their goal to be perceived by the population as independent. Military personnel and units avoid interfering with NGHA relief efforts directed toward segments of the civilian population that the military may regard as unfriendly. Military personnel and units respect the desire of NGHAs not to serve as implementing partners for the military in conducting relief activities. However, individual nongovernmental organizations may seek to cooperate with the military. In this case, such arrangements will be carried out while avoiding compromise of the security, safety, and independence of the NGHA community at large, NGHA representatives, or public perceptions of their independence. E-7. NGHAs should observe the following guidelines: NGHA personnel do not wear military-style clothing. NGHA personnel can wear protective...