ABSTRACT

This chapter identifies the major conceptual underpinning of safe areas and locates the idea in theories of International Politics. It starts with consideration of the interconnectedness of spatiality and normativity, and applies the framework to the notion of humanitarian space. On this basis it develops three models of humanitarian space: Conventional Model, Homeland Model, and Shelter Model. The practice of humanitarian space can be defined as the repeated action of creating or sustaining a space through the justification that this action meets certain conditions including human rights. The chapter argues that the spatial order of international politics is best explained through the concepts of state territory, based on the norm of state sovereignty. In order to maintain neutrality, a conventional humaritarian space must be provided with minimum or no force. The homeland model allows the use of force in support of a group. And a shelter can be protected by an impartial force against human rights violators.