This report describes the ethical dilemmas and operational challenges faced by the World Food Programme and its partners in ensuring food assistance to those in need in complex emergencies.

Highlighting the need to combine operational capabilities with careful, continuous analysis and political sensitivity, the report identifies aspects of policy, procedures and practice to which WFP should give further in-depth consideration and attention.

The report is based on previous evaluation reports, field visits and information provided by a large number of WFP staff, staff of other UN agencies, NGOs and other institutions, as well as private researchers and consultants. It draws mainly on experiences during the decade 1989-98, but also takes account of some earlier conflict situations.