The term humanitarian intervention is defined by Holzgrefe as:
The threat or use of force across state borders by a state (or a group of states) aimed at preventing or ending widespread and grave violations of the fundamental human rights of individuals other than its own citizens, without the permission of the state within whose territory force is applied.
(Holzgrefe, 2003, p. 18)
This definition alone indicates some of the key problematic issues surrounding humanitarian intervention. Firstly, it involves the use of force (or a threat thereof) against another state without its consent. This action itself indicates an attack on state sovereignty, which is additionally strengthened by the second element of this definition: implication of a failure of the state in question to secure the human rights of its citizens.
Furthermore, there are several misconceptions about the meaning of humanitarian intervention, some of which can be clarified as follows:
There can be no doubt that the provision of strictly humanitarian aid to persons or forces in another country, whatever their political affiliations or objectives, cannot be regarded as unlawful intervention, or as in any other way contrary to international law
(Military and Paramilitary Activities in and against Nicaragua (Nicaragua v United States of America) ICJ Rep 1986, 242)
Iraq (1991) – provision of humanitarian assistance to ethnic Kurds by the US-led coalition troops and maintenance of a no-fly zone to prevent attack by Iraqi air forces.
Somalia (1992) – The USA and the UN intervened to ensure the delivery of international humanitarian aid to the region.
Kosovo (1999) – The NATO bombing of Belgrade as a response to widespread attacks on the civilian population.
Sierra Leone (2000) – UK troops deployed to support UN peacekeeping forces to protect civilians from gross violations of their rights committed by rebel forces.
Darfur, Sudan (2004) – The African Union deployed peacekeeping troops to protect civilians in the region, especially those in refugee camps. However, the intervention failed to limit or eliminate the violence.
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