Humanitarian Principles
Humanitarian principles guide SWF’s action in every context, conflict-affected or not.
At Safer World Foundation (SWF), our work is guided by core humanitarian principles that ensure integrity, accountability, and the highest standard of service to humanity. These principles shape how we engage with communities, partners, and stakeholders while building safer and more inclusive societies.
The Four (4) Fundamental Principles guiding our work
Humanity
Human suffering must be addressed wherever it is found. The purpose of humanitarian action is to protect life and health and ensure respect for human beings
Neutrality
Humanitarian actors must not take sides in hostilities or engage in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature
Impartiality
Humanitarian action must be carried out on the basis of need alone, prioritizing the most urgent cases of distress and making no distinctions on the basis of nationality, race, gender, religion, class or political opinions
Independence
Humanitarian action must be autonomous from the political, economic, military or other objectives that any actor may hold with regard to areas where humanitarian action is being implemented
Humanitarian principles are endorsed by 2 UN General Assembly resolutions (46/182 and 58/114). They guide the work of all actors working in the humanitarian sphere, defining what humanitarian aid is: delivering life-saving assistance to those in need, without any adverse distinction.
This video from the International Committee of the Red Cross explains obligations and principles of International Humanitarian Law including Distinction, Proportionality, and Precautions that parties to conflict, whether they are a government or a non-state armed group have to follow. The ICRC is an independent, neutral organisation which ensures humanitarian protection and assistance for victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence.
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