Through Humanity to Peace: Reflections on Humanitarian Action and Peace from the ICRC’s Practice

The number of armed conflicts globally is higher than ever and continues to rise. They have become harder to end and are increasingly lethal for civilians, causing unfathomable human suffering. Meanwhile, the risk of additional large-scale confrontation is fomenting fear and division. In light of this, it is essential that the global community reinvest in international cooperation, conflict prevention and conflict resolution. Based on case studies conducted in Colombia, Northern Ireland and Yemen, and informed by academic and practitioner literature on the subject, this policy report explores the contribution of humanitarian action to prospects for peace in the operational experience of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).