Saving Strangers: Human Security and Humanitarian Intervention

Saving strangers: human security and humanitarian intervention
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Introduction
During the 20th century, it is estimated that over thirty-five million people died in all civil as well as international conflicts across the world. Most significantly, approximately one hundred and fifty million individuals were killed by their governments. Additionally, there are significant occurrences over the years, such as the tragedy of the Holocaust, that necessitated the need for the international community to expired its rules on human rights. The increased deaths perpetrated by governments responsible for protecting their citizens have challenged the traditional methods used during human interventions, including last resort and just cause. Human security and humanitarian interventions are needed where vulnerable people desperately need protection and forms of assistance. It is critical to comprehend that humanitarian interventions may be legitimate when used in helping endangered groups and may also be imperialism when used for personal gains.
Ideally, the principle of non-interference guarantees countries sovereignty and self-rules on both internal and external affairs. Besides, the government has a role and responsibilities for protecting its citizens; this is critical where there is an outbreak of civil conflicts and wars in a country (Aaronson, 2013). However, in situations where the government cannot control and manage the situations, it might necessitate the international community, including countries and organizations such as NATO, to intervene and protect vulnerable individuals. For example, the Biafra war is regarded as one of the most severe humanitarian crises that contributed significantly to the rise of international responsibility to protect. The war started in 1967 after the political turmoil and military coup in Nigeria. The governor of the Eastern Region had declared a secession to establish the "Republic of Biafra" (Aaronson, 2013). The Federal Government of Nigeria had responded by launching attacks against the rebels, which lasted for about thirty months despite the international initiatives. The military enjoyed massive superiority and used excessive force against the rebels. The international community responded by providing relief operations to help the civilians and victims of the conflict. By the time Biafra surrendered, it was estimated that nearly six hundred thousand people had died.
Further, different forms of international approaches would save peoples’ lives. For example, the use of military force in saving lives may be difficult and dangerous. In most situations, the United Nations Security Council and other western publics are keen on undertaking necessary measures wh...