2. Navigating principled humanitarian action and compliance with counter-terrorism laws and policies

Article
Sophie Delaunay
10 February 2014
Co-authors: Andres Romero & Mary Vonckx The objective of medical humanitarian action is to alleviate the suffering of people who are the direct victims of violence or otherwise neglected, discriminated against, or targeted by political power, whether in the form of a government or other...
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Over the last decade, state and inter-governmental counter-terrorism laws and policies have become increasingly robust, resulting in additional pressure on many humanitarian organizations operational on the frontline - often posing additional challenges for acting in accordance with the...
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The “right of initiative” for impartial humanitarian actors in international humanitarian law gives the right to approach the relevant actors in order to obtain access to people in need. Are counterterrorism laws, such as the U.S. material support statutes, incompatible with IHL, as...
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With relief convoys being raided by terrorist-listed groups in Syria, can this be considered by donors as giving support to them?
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What is the relationship between international humanitarian law and terrorism?
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I have heard some of my colleagues say that it’s illegal to talk to people that might be affiliated with listed groups and that I could be arrested e.g. if I go to the United States, and then others say that it’s not illegal. Can you help me understand what is actually the situation? I...
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Can terrorist acts be considered war crimes, crimes against humanity, or genocide? I am especially referring to the case of Nigeria.
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How do counterterrorism laws affect the work of medical staff in Syria? Should medical staff be concerned about treating people who may be part of terrorist organizations?
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How are NGOs expected to engage with local leaders in areas controlled by ISIS in northern Syria when the local leaders are all ISIS appointees or members? My understanding is that legal requirements prohibit people from engaging with terrorists. Should we cease operations and leave the people most...
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Are there particular areas where humanitarian actors should be careful with using the expression "terrorist group" in order to preserve their neutrality, impartiality and independence? Should we rather use expressions such as "non-state armed groups" or "armed opposition...