Protecting the civilian in zones of conflict : the case of the war in the former Yugoslavia and humanitarian relief personnel as human rights activists

Abstract

This thesis is a two part study of justice. The trauma of conflict in developing countries which has resulted in deprivation that increase their vulnerability to further conflict is becoming an increasing challenge to those involved in medical humanitarian relief. A core consideration of the concept of rehabilitation of a society traumatized by conflict is that recovery assistance should include emotional recovery and not be exclusively concentrated on physical needs. First, it is my contention that it is no longer acceptable for the international community to allow the powerful and brutal forces in this world to impose indiscriminate reigns of terror upon innocent civilian populations without seeking some form of recompense and justice. The second part of this thesis explores the gap in the humanitarian aid community's operational ability to respond to instability and conflict. The ability of aid organisations to achieve conflict mitigation, management, and resolution are increasingly dependent upon the different range of skills and the comparative advantage of each player. It is my contention that divergent views need to reach a consensus in order to bring to an end further disputes that may hamper the effective delivery of relief. The opportunities and challenges of non-interventionist emergency aid strategy is contrasted with interventionist developmental strategy. Two theories of justice are utilized to help solve an ethical dilemma faced by humanitarian relief personnel. Thus criteria for evaluating ethical dilemmas are established. The thesis concludes with some implications for the future regarding the deterrence affect of international criminal courts.