Publication

The recently updated OCHA Aide Memoire for the Consideration of Issues Pertaining to the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict does not propose specific measures on how to improve the security situation of humanitarian personnel. Although not intended as a blueprint of action, the language presented in the Aide Memoire is vague and general in character, as it is intended to fit all conflict settings. However, by performing a within-case analysis of Darfur, portraying humanitarian workers’ own perspective of their security situation, I here suggest some additional updates to be made to the Aide Memoire. Humanitarian personnel’s security situation in Darfur is characterized by unstable scenarios and insecure environments. Humanitarian agencies base their security mainly on their own image by adhering to humanitarian principles such as neutrality, impartiality and independence, as well as being in proximity to the local population.