GC: npl
S: UNOCHA – https://docs.unocha.org/sites/dms/Documents/OOM-humanitarianprinciples_eng_June12.pdf (last access: 4 August 2015); Atha – http://www.atha.se/content/humanitarian-principles-0 (last access: 4 August 2015).
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.”
– principles (pln): principle (n). Late 14c., “origin, source, beginning” (a sense now obsolete), also “rule of conduct; axiom, basic assumption; elemental aspect of a craft or discipline,” from Anglo-French principle, Old French principe “origin, cause, principle,” from Latin principium (plural principia) “a beginning, commencement, origin, first part,” in plural “foundation, elements,” from princeps (genitive principis) “first man, chief leader; ruler, sovereign,” noun use of adjective meaning “that takes first,” from primus “first” (see prime (adj.)) + root of capere “to take” (from PIE root *kap- “to grasp”).
The English –l– apparently is by analogy of participle, manciple, etc., also principal. From the notion of “one of the fundamental tenets or doctrines of a system, a law or truth on which others are founded” comes the sense of “a right rule of conduct” (1530s).
2. As per UN General Assembly Resolution 46/182 (19 December 1991), humanitarian assistance must be provided in accordance with the principles of humanity, neutrality and impartiality. Adherence to these principles reflects a measure of accountability of the humanitarian community.
- Humanity: Human suffering must be addressed wherever it is found, with particular attention to the most vulnerable in the population, such as children, women and the elderly. The dignity and rights of all victims must be respected and protected.
- Neutrality: Humanitarian assistance must be provided without engaging in hostilities or taking sides in controversies of a political, religious or ideological nature.
- Impartiality: Humanitarian assistance must be provided without discriminating as toethnic origin, gender, nationality, political opinions, race or religion. Relief of the suffering must be guided solely by needs and priority must be given to the most urgent cases of distress. (OCHA)
S: 1. Etymonline – https://www.etymonline.com/search?q=humanitarian+principle (last access: 7 May 2024). 2. RWP – http://www.who.int/hac/about/reliefweb-aug2008.pdf (last access: 4 August 2015) (p. 33).
SYN:
S:
CR: humanitarian, humanitarian action, humanitarian protection.
