General guidance for the interaction between humanitarian organizations and military forces operating in Liberia

I. Introduction
1. Recent conflicts have shown that coordination between humanitarian actors on one side and military actors on the other side is essential for the timely and effective delivery of humanitarian assistance and to help ensure the protection of civilians.

2. The actual situation in Liberia indicates that four military forces are operating in the country: United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), forces of the Government of Liberia (GOL), forces of the "Liberians United for Reconciliation (LURD)" and the forces of the "Movement for Democracy in Liberia (MODEL)". This will require close interaction between the humanitarian organizations¹ and the aforementioned military forces operating in the country.

3. It is essential that humanitarian organizations be clear on the principles governing these interactions. A perception of adherence to the key humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, and impartiality is of immediate practical relevance for humanitarian workers on the ground.

4. Inappropriate interaction with the military forces in Liberia however might undermine this perception and may have a negative impact on the activities of humanitarian actors.

5. The aim of this document is to provide non-binding practical guidance to humanitarian organizations in their interaction with the military forces operating in Liberia. The guidance provided in this document may not cover all situations involving this interaction. In these circumstances guidance might be obtained from the UN Humanitarian Coordinator/Designated Official (HC/DO).

II. General principles

6. Interaction with UNMIL

UNMIL is a UN-mandated force; consequently, humanitarian organizations may interact with this force and use UNMIL assets to support humanitarian operations consistent with the principles of humanity, neutrality and impartiality. The nonbinding "Guidelines on the use of Military and Civil Defense Assets (MCDA) to support UN humanitarian activities in complex emergencies" will be adhered to as close as possible. The UN HC/DO will oversee all liaisons with UNMIL and the use of their military assets in support of humanitarian operations. The UN Civil - Military Coordination Officer (UN CMCoord Off), in close collaboration with the Civil - Military Liaison Officers from the UN agencies, will, in close consultation and collaboration with all humanitarian organizations, coordinate liaison with UNMIL on behalf of the humanitarian organizations and the HC/DO.

7. Interaction with GOL, LURD and MODEL military forces

Interactions with LURD, MODEL and Government of Liberia (GOL) forces at senior level must be coordinated with the HC/DO before liaison arrangements being established. This does not exclude humanitarian interactions with these forces on the ground or in the course of field operations in LURD-, MODEL-, and/or GOL - controlled areas. These interactions should always be in line with the core humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality and impartiality; the "Guidelines on the use of MCDA to support UN humanitarian operations in complex emergencies" should be adhered to as close as possible. The current security situation dictates that UN authorities coordinate safe passage of humanitarian operations within and through MODEL and LURD controlled areas of Liberia. The UN CMCoord Off should be informed of such contacts to ensure the HC/DO is kept abreast of developments.

8. Humanitarian organizations must retain a clear distinction between the functions and roles of their personnel and those of UNMIL when interacting with these forces, thereby, maintaining a perception of neutrality and impartiality on the part of the humanitarian organizations.

9. Weapons are forbidden on humanitarian premises, facilities and vehicles. Only in exceptional circumstances may this rule be waived. Such circumstances must be reported to the HC/DO.

10. The HC/DO, in close consultation with the UN Country Team (UNCT), is the humanitarian arbitrator with UNMIL, GOL, LURD and MODEL forces when problems arise in any aspect of humanitarian involvement with these forces.

III. Liaison principles

11. Liaison, co-ordination and information sharing with UNMIL should be done through the appropriate UNMIL civil - military coordination structures. Timely coordination will avert inappropriate actions, allow, where necessary, appropriate military-humanitarian delineation, will ensure the security of humanitarian operations and will promote an increased impact for the Liberian population. Co-location with UNMIL forces and humanitarian facilities is determined by the HC/DO.

12. The UN CMCoord Off should be informed of all humanitarian liaison-, coordination- and information sharing activities with GOL, LURD and MODEL forces, to ensure the HC/DO is kept abreast of developments.

IV. Use of UNMIL military assets

13. If humanitarian capacities are not adequate or cannot be obtained in a timely manner to meet urgent needs, then military and civil defense assets, including military aircraft, can be deployed in accordance with the "Guidelines on the use of MCDA to support UN humanitarian activities in complex emergencies".

14. The HC oversees the use of these assets to support humanitarian activities.

15. The UN CMCoord Off will coordinate the requests for UNMIL assistance.

V. Use of humanitarian assets by UNMIL

16. Although not addressed in the "Guidelines on the use of MCDA to support UN humanitarian activities in complex emergencies", there may be circumstances where UNMIL must rely on humanitarian assets to provide the requested support i.e. vehicles, radios, cell phones, etc. The HC/DO should be kept informed of these requests.

VI. Use of UNMIL for protection, armed escorts and patrols

17. As a general rule, the humanitarian organizations should not use UNMIL armed guards for their protection. However, given the present security situation in Liberia and for as long as no reliable civilian law enforcement or alternative local security arrangements are in place, the humanitarian organizations may accept protection provided by UNMIL to ensure the safety and security of their facilities, residences, and humanitarian operations including protection of non-combatants.

18. Use of UNMIL forces for protection of humanitarian facilities and residents or for escort and/or patrol to support humanitarian operations must be approved by the HC/DO in light of the current security situation and after consultation with the Heads of the relevant Agencies.

19. Without prejudice to the decisions taken by the HC/DO, the "Non-binding Guidelines on the use of military or armed escorts for humanitarian convoys (OCHA - 14 September 2001)" will be adhered to as close as possible.

VII. Use of UNMIL for assessments

20. Security assessments with UNMIL should be in accordance with the UNSECOORD Concept of Operations for Security assessments and coordinated with the DO/FSCO for Liberia.

21. There may be circumstances when joint assessments may be necessary to ensure a timely, safe and effective response to humanitarian needs throughout Liberia. UN agencies should coordinate joint assessments with the UNCT and HC/DO to determine if circumstances justify their use.

Footnote

¹ Throughout the text, the terms "humanitarian organizations - humanitarian activities" cover both the UN agencies and the NGO operating in Liberia.