Humanitarian International Law: The New Demands or the Maintenance of Peace

The advertised stability of the post-Cold War period is belied by a number of conflicts which threaten public order, and which cause serious problems for human rights and fundamental freedoms. Many of these conflicts take place within States, rather than amongst them. Interstate conflicts now acquire a new dimension which is reflected in a new world agenda which amongst other things, imbues the development of humanitarian law with a new dynamic. Beyond the traditional principles of this international law and the participation of international institutions such as the International Red Cross Committee of UNICEF, the new dynamic has included the participation of the Security Council to promote and ensure respect for humanitarian international law. The role taken on by the Security Council in this matter, together with attempts to create a system of supervision for the application of international law which transcends the will of specific States, faces growing difficulties.