GC: n
S: UNOCHA – https://www.unocha.org/humanitarian-access (last access: 5 May 2024); UN – https://press.un.org/en/2024/sc15651.doc.htm (last access: 5 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.”
– access (n): early 14c., “an attack of fever,” from Old French acces “onslaught, attack; onset (of an illness),” from Latin accessus “a coming to, an approach; way of approach, entrance,” noun use of past participle of accedere “to approach,” from assimilated form of ad “to” (see ad-) + cedere “go, move, withdraw” (from PIE root *ked- “to go, yield”). The English sense of “an entrance” (c. 1600) is directly from Latin. The meaning “habit or power of getting into the presence of (someone or something)” is from late 14c.
2. Where protection is not available from national authorities or controlling non-state actors, vulnerable populations have a right to receive international protection and assistance from an impartial humanitarian relief operation. Such action is subject to the consent of the State or parties concerned and does not prescribe coercive measures in the event of refusal, however unwarranted. (OCHA)
3. Humanitarian access concerns humanitarian actors’ ability to reach populations affected by crisis, as well as an affected population’s ability to access humanitarian assistance and services.
4. Access is therefore a fundamental pre-requisite to effective humanitarian action. Full and unimpeded access is essential to establish operations, move goods and personnel where they are needed, implement distributions, provide health services and carry out other activities, and for affected populations to fully benefit from the assistance and services made available.
In situations of disaster or civil unrest, national authorities have primary responsibility for the well-being of those affected. In situations of armed conflict, the responsibility for the civilian population’s well-being lies with all of the parties to conflict. If they are unable or unwilling to meet the basic needs of the affected population within their control, they are obliged to allow and facilitate the impartial provision of assistance.
5. Many types of constraints affect humanitarians’ ability to reach people in need of assistance, particularly in situations of armed conflict, but can also be problematic in natural disaster contexts. These constraints also affect the ability of affected populations to have full access to humanitarian aid.
S: 1. Etymonline – https://www.etymonline.com/search?q=humanitarian+access (last access: 5 May 2024). 2. GLOSS RW – https://reliefweb.int/report/world/reliefweb-glossary-humanitarian-terms-enko (last access: 5 May 2024). 3 to 5. UNOCHA – https://www.unocha.org/sites/unocha/files/dms/Documents/OOM_HumAccess_English.pdf (last access: 5 May 2024).
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