The Protection-Neutrality Dilemma in Humanitarian Emergencies: Review of the Rwandan Genocide under the Human Rights Legal Framework

Olutomiwa Binuyo, University of the Western Cape

The dilemma faced by humanitarian organizations is that using the military to protect conflict areas can incite the opposition parties to retaliate, as the humanitarian intervention is being seen as non-neutral. Therefore, to look neutral, they might not be able to carry out the protection function. This study explains the conundrum experienced between the "Responsibility to Protect" and the neutrality principle using the Rwandan Genocide as a case study. Study findings revealed that the human rights framework and international humanitarian laws were violated seriously in the Rwandan case, thanks to the protection-neutrality dilemma. Conclusively, effective measures should be put in place by the international community to heighten response to complex humanitarian emergencies to avert a repeat of the Rwandan case. To minimize neutrality compromise on the part of humanitarian organizations, an assessment of local needs must be considered before kick-starting humanitarian activities.