Humanitarian Aid: Redefining the Limits

The AIV favours a strict distinction between humanitarian aid and other forms of aid, such as reconstruction aid. This is important, not only to ensure that aid operations retain their neutrality, but also to enable aid organisations to adhere more closely to the original principles underlying their mandates. The AIV believes that a strict interpretation of the responsibilities of aid organisations will necessarily lead to the adjustment of policy. A clear line also needs to be drawn between aid on the one hand and political or military action on the other.