GC: n
S: UNOCHA – https://asiadisasterguide.unocha.org/III-humanitarian-actors.html (last access: 8 May 2024); ICRC – https://blogs.icrc.org/law-and-policy/2023/03/16/humanitarian-principles-historical-legal/ (last access: 8 May 2024).
N: 1. – humanitarian (adj): As a noun by 1794 in the theological sense “one who affirms the humanity of Christ but denies his pre-existence and divinity,” from humanity + suffix from unitarian, etc.; see humanism. Meaning “philanthropist, one who advocates or practices human action to solve social problems” is from 1842, originally disparaging, with a suggestion of excess.
As an adjective by 1834 in the theological sense “affirming the humanity or human nature of Christ;” by 1855 as “having regard for the broad interests of humanity.”
– actors (pln): actor (noun). late 14c., “an overseer, guardian, steward,” from Latin actor “an agent or doer; a driver (of sheep, etc.),” in law, “accuser, plaintiff,” also “theatrical player, orator,” from past-participle stem of agere “to set in motion, drive, drive forward,” hence “to do, perform,” also “act on stage, play the part of; plead a cause at law” (from PIE root *ag- “to drive, draw out or forth, move”). In English from mid-15c. as “a doer, maker,” also “a plaintiff at law.” The sense of “one who performs in plays” is by 1580s, originally applied to both men and women. Related: Actorish; actorly; actory.
2. Humanitarian actors are a wide range of organizations, agencies and inter-agency networks that all combine to enable international humanitarian assistance to be channeled to the places and people in need of it. They include UN agencies, the International Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as Humanitarian Coalition member agencies, military institutions, local government institutions and donor agencies. The actions of these organizations are guided by key humanitarian principles: humanity, impartiality, independence and neutrality.
3. Multiple humanitarian actors with different objectives, principles and modi operandi intervene in situations of armed conflict and internal violence in order to alleviate the plight of the victims: governmental and non-governmental organisations, international organisations, National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and private companies, among others. The diversity of actors and approaches can help to alleviate suffering if they manage to act in a complementary fashion, on the basis of their respective operational abilities.
S: 1. Etymonline – https://www.etymonline.com/search?q=humanitarian+actor (last access: 8 May 2024). 2. HumCoalit – https://www.humanitariancoalition.ca/the-humanitarian-system (last access: 8 May 2024). 3. ICRC – https://www.icrc.org/en/international-review/humanitarian-actors (last access: 15 September 2017).
SYN:
S:
