Dayon, Amy M. Defining the Relationships of the US Government, The United Nations and Non-Governmental Organizations in Humanitarian Assistance. Air Force Institute of Tech Wright-Paterson AFB OH School Of Logistics and Acquisition Management, Sep 1995
After the Cold War ended, the media increased the world's awareness of humanitarian problems. In an effort to reach more of the suffering, the United Nations, donor governments, and nongovernmental organizations began to provide a larger quantity of relief through a more structured system. The purpose of this thesis is to define the relationships of the three major groups responsible for providing humanitarian assistance in the world today. The methods and structure of the US government, UN and three non-governmental organizations (Intentional Committee of the Red Cross, Medecins sans Frontieres, and Catholic Relief Services) are used as examples of the international humanitarian relief system. This system is rapidly improving as experience and education in providing humanitarian assistance increases. This study is meant to show the strengths and limitations of each group and coordination problems among them. A better understanding of the international humanitarian relief system should lead to a well defined role and therefore increased utilization of the US military in providing humanitarian assistance.