On 26 November, SIPRI, the Swedish Red Cross Society and the Ukrainian Red Cross Society held a roundtable to discuss the future of principled humanitarian action in an increasingly contested operating environment.
The discussion focused on the growing politicization of humanitarian assistance, the operational challenges this creates, and the implications for neutral and impartial aid delivery. The Ukrainian Red Cross Society described how attacks on infrastructure—such as energy systems and food storage facilities—continue to affect civilians and exacerbate psychological stress.
During the event, Dr Caroline Delgado shared her analysis of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2417 on hunger as a method of warfare. Representatives from the Swedish Red Cross Society highlighted how the erosion of humanitarian principles, including attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, is shaping humanitarian responses in complex crises. Looking forward, Dr Simone Bunse highlighted key political and operational actions to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid remains principled, stressing the need to include civil society to apply and defend humanitarian principles. Participants underscored the importance of protecting humanitarian space to ensure that essential support reaches people in vulnerable situations. The roundtable forms part of SIPRI’s knowledge partnership with the Swedish Red Cross Society.