[Relations between military health services and humanitarian organizations--the point of view of the International Red Cross]

Abstract

The classic definition of humanitarian action is any operation conducted for the purpose of helping to reduce human suffering. This concept can be expanded to include a notion of prevention. This expanded definition has opened a wide range of applications for humanitarian assistance. Military personnel are frequently involved in relief operations after natural disasters. Military logistic support is a key factor for coping with the massive needs of victims. However military intervention in humanitarian operations during wartime poses complex problems. The ICRC intervenes during military conflict and has, for several years, expressed its concern over the growing involvement of military forces in humanitarian operations. These considerations provide the backdrop for analysis of the relationship between Military Health Corps Services and the ICRC. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the need to make a clear-cut distinction between political and humanitarian objectives and thus between the actors associated with these goals. In this regard, the role of Military Health Corps Services will be presented in function of the principles underlying any humanitarian program. This article will also discuss areas of agreement and cooperation between the ICRC and Military Health Corps Services.