IBPoliticsDPGlobal PoliticsHLRevision Notes2. Thematic Studies: Rights & Justice2.2 Interactions of Political Stakeholders & ActorsCivil Society

Civil Society (DP IB Global Politics: HL): Revision Note

Written by: Jane Hirons

Reviewed by: Steve Vorster

Updated on 26 March 2026

Humanitarian foundations

Humanitarian means acting in a way that saves lives and protects the dignity of people
Foundations are non-profit organisations
Humanitarian foundations can be found at all levels of global politics.
- On the local level they may serve those in need by operating food kitchens or shelters
- On the regional level they may provide essential services in times of crisis such as earthquakes or conflict
- On the global level they may also respond to crisis and work on long-term sustainable development strategies
All humanitarian foundations rely on the permission of the state to operate
Most regional and global humanitarian organisations work closely with IGOs, in particular the United Nations
NGOs are often humanitarian organisations

Examples of global humanitarian foundations

Foundation	Activities
The Red Cross/Red Crescent	Provides emergency humanitarian aid in conflict and disaster zones, including medical care, food and shelter Promotes international humanitarian law and protects victims of war
Médecins Sans Frontières	Provides emergency medical care to people affected by conflict, disease outbreaks and natural disasters, regardless of race, religion or political affiliation Operates independently of governments and armed groups, allowing it to work in some of the most dangerous and difficult-to-reach areas in the world
Refugees International	Advocates for the protection and support of displaced people around the world Investigates crises and pressures governments and organisations to improve refugee policies and humanitarian responses

Strengths and limitations

Strengths of humanitarian organisations	Limitations of humanitarian organisations
They directly help people who are suffering	They must respect state sovereignty and can only operate if the state allows them
They can support states dealing with crises or natural disasters	Non-state actors, such as violent resistance groups, can disrupt their work
They are apolitical and aim to help anyone in need without taking sides	They rely on funding from governments and donations, which can fluctuate
They have extensive experience and can respond quickly	They may be targeted by violence in conflict zones, limiting their ability to operate

Case Study

Limitations of humanitarian organisations in Yemen

Background

The Yemen civil war, which began in 2014, has created a severe humanitarian crisis. Humanitarian organisations have faced major limits in their ability to help those in need

Man walking on debris in front of a heavily damaged building with partially collapsed walls and broken windows, under a clear blue sky.

Humanitarian response

Organisations such as the Red Cross and WHO have provided food, medical care and emergency aid

Limitations

However, their work has been restricted because they must respect state sovereignty, meaning access is often controlled by governments or local authorities
Their operations have also been disrupted by armed groups, which have blocked aid and created dangerous conditions
- Humanitarian workers have also been targets of violence, forcing some organisations to reduce or stop their work
In addition, limited and inconsistent funding has reduced the amount of aid available

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