What is it?
Humanitarian protection as addressing violence, coercion, deliberate deprivation and abuse for persons, groups, and communities in humanitarian crises. This is performed while complying with humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence, and with respect for international law.
International law defines the global framework for protecting populations; it includes international human rights law, international humanitarian law and international refugee law. This framework defines the obligations of states and warring parties to assist and protect civilians, and to prevent and refrain from behaviour that violates their rights.
Why is this important?
In humanitarian crises, people need basic assistance such as food, water, medical, and psychological assistance. However, when there’s violence and hardship, they also need specific support to stay safe and keep their dignity. Around the world, armed conflicts continue to cause high levels of civilian deaths, injury, displacement, psychological trauma, and sexual violence. Moreover, increasing numbers of people are impacted by climate change, economic instability and food insecurity, among others.
Source ECHO
Also, consult the Food Security Cluster Handbook on Protection and Food Security