The Humanitarian Rule

     One of the most important aspects of humanitarian organizations is that they seek to be impartial in bringing aid to the people who need it most. Most have a publicly declared mission statement which defines just how the organization handles international crises. In this way, many humanitarian agencies primarily exercise rules-based ethics. They are less concerned with the political results of their actions than the immediate needs of those who are hungry or poor.
     For example, the International Red Cross Movement states that their “Movement is neutral and impartial, and provides protection and assistance to people affected by disasters and conflicts. “* And the UN’s World Food Programme seeks to meet only basic needs as well: “As the food aid arm of the UN, WFP uses its food to: meet emergency needs and support economic & social development.”** The UN World Heath Orgnanization, however, must enter the political realm because it seeks to observe and evaluate whether health needs are being met in various countries. The Organization’s mission statement claims that “It is responsible for providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries and monitoring and assessing health trends.” The WHO claims a much more authoritative role than the average aid organization. This branch of the UN, by nature, is much more likely to have political conflicts with states because it takes more of an oversight role. While it does support countries, it may also challenge their health practices, resulting in political tension. In this way, the WHO may also use ends-based ethics to achieve its goals. The political wheelings and dealings may not matter as long as a country eventually accepts and enforces new global health initiatives. Although a health crisis can be so serious that it requires immediate action, those health initiatives which are allowed time to be put into effect may be more likely to be established through ends-based UN effort. 
   Although the UN as an international council may have the authority to challenge countries, most humanitarian aid agencies focus on simple rules-based ethics: no matter what race, religion, or political affiliation, all humans have a right to food and shelter; and that immediate needs must be met regardless of short-term or projected political consequences.