Humanitarian space as arena

Humanitarian action is ideal — typically associated with service delivery in temporary conflict situations, according to principles of impartiality, neutrality and independence. The phenomenon is epitomized by the concept of humanitarian space. Humanitarian space is defined as ‘an environment where humanitarians can work without hindrance and follow the humanitarian principles of neutrality, impartiality and humanity’ (Spearin 2001: 22). Like any type of space, humanitarian space has physical and metaphorical dimensions. It refers to physical environments: refugee camps, humanitarian corridors during ceasefires or safe havens where peacekeepers and humanitarians provide physical protection and basic services. It also refers to the manoeuvring space for humanitarians to work without fear of attack in dangerous situations and alongside other actors. ² This notion of humanitarian space is rooted in the work of Henri Dunant who founded the Red Cross in 1862. He believed that the organization, in order to gain access to war victims, would have to remain neutral and maintain independence from sponsoring governments (Dunant 1986).