Humanitarian diplomacy has emerged as a concept to promote and dissuade certain types of humanitarian action. The concept took hold mainly in the post-Second World War era and the advent of global humanitarianism. It is a distinct form of diplomacy. Governments, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations “conduct” humanitarian diplomacy in the hope of influencing the policies of other governments and international organizations. Humanitarian diplomacy also looks to raise public awareness about humanitarian issues. The concept is, however, not free from controversy or from challenges.
The Encyclopaedia of Diplomacy, 2018
Daniel Fiott 