C. McQueen 
Humanitarian Intervention and Safety Zones 
Iraq, Bosnia and Rwanda

Neither willing to engage in a meaningful way to save targeted civilians in Iraq, Bosnia and Rwanda nor to stand entirely aside as massive violations of humanitarian law occurred, states embraced safety zones as a means to ‘do something’ whilst avoiding being drawn into open warfare. Humanitarian Intervention and Safety Zones: Iraq, Bosnia and Rwanda explores why and how effectively safety zones were implemented as a way to protect civilians and displaced persons in three of the most important conflicts of the 1990s. It shows how states consistently sought to reconcile their political and humanitarian interests, a process which often led to problematic and ambiguous outcomes, and assesses in fascinating detail the difficulties and controversies surrounding the use of such zones, variously called safe havens, safe areas, secure humanitarian areas, and zones humanitaires sûres . The book also asks whether or not such zones could serve as precedents for possible future attempts to ensure the safety of civilians in complex humanitarian emergencies.

Table of Content

List of Figures List of Acronyms Acknowldgements Introduction Providing Comfort at Home: Safe Haven in Iraq Only So Far But No Further: Safe Areas in Bosnia A Decision Not to Act: Proposed UN Secure Humanitarian Areas in Rwanda Too Little, Too Late: France’s Zone Humanitaire Sure in Rwanda Conclusion Notes Bibliography Index

About the author

CAROL MCQUEEN is Political Affairs Officer with the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo.