Abstract

The delivery of humanitarian aid remains one of the main challenges in contemporary armed conflict. The legal, political and physical construction of a sustained and respected humanitarian space, in which such aid delivery can occur, is a fragile operation. Humanitarian spaces increasingly appear fragmented and localised. They are re-negotiated continuously, either as part of subnational and local truces and peace or cooperation agreements or through ad hoc bargaining between humanitarians and armed actors. Based on a comparison of how relief efforts are negotiated in Syria, this article argues that humanitarian space is not shrinking, as is commonly assumed, but rather is being reconfigured into humanitarian micro-spaces. Such micro-spaces are fluid, dynamic and overlapping arenas of relief, constantly challenged, and morphed by different actors. Working in humanitarian micro-spaces requires continuous political involvement and decision-making, which presents a substantial challenge for humanitarian organisations.

摘要

提供人道主义援助仍然是当代武装冲突中的主要挑战之一。可持续和受尊重的人道主义空间的法律、政治和物质建设，在其中可以进行此类援助交付，是一项脆弱的行动。人道主义空间越来越分散和局部化。作为次国家和地方休战与和平或合作协议的一部分，或通过人道主义者和武装行动者之间的临时谈判，它们不断地重新谈判。本文基于对叙利亚救援工作谈判方式的比较，认为人道主义空间并没有像人们普遍认为的那样缩小，而是被重新配置为人道主义微观空间。这种微空间是流动的、动态的和重叠的浮雕领域，不断受到不同演员的挑战和变化。