The Politics of Humanitarianism after Iraq

The 2007 IRC-UK Annual Lecture

On 25 June 2007, IRC-UK welcomed Sir Mark Malloch Brown, the former UN Deputy Secretary General, as he delivered a major address describing the challenges faced by relief agencies, the UN and the Red Cross in trying to remain – and be seen as – neutral and impartial while saving lives.  He said that the work of aid agencies like IRC has grown steadily more dangerous because more civilians are targets of political violence. He concluded that humanitarian efforts need to once again be accepted globally-- beginning with more attention to the civilian victims of violence in Iraq.  Three days after this speech, Malloch Brown became Lord Malloch Brown and joined Prime Minister Gordon Brown's new government, responsible for relations with Africa, Asia and the UN.

Read Sir Mark Malloch Brown's Address [PDF] >

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Iraq Commission Hearings

IRC-UK's Submission to the Iraq Commission [PDF] 

Sir Mark Malloch Brown KCMG, former UN Deputy Secretary General, spoke on "The Politics of Humanitarianism after Iraq" on 25 June in London.
Photo: United Nations
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IRC Lecture

The International Rescue Committee UK is an independent British charity, established in 1997 as part of the International Rescue Committee global network. Founded in 1933, the IRC provides emergency relief, protection of human rights, post-conflict reconstruction, resettlement assistance and advocacy to those uprooted or affected by violent conflict or oppression around the world. All the IRC's work reflects its commitment to freedom, human dignity and self reliance.