Building human security through humanitarian protection and assistance: the potential of the International Committee of the Red Cross

Current academic literature neglects the relationship between human security and humanitarian protection and assistance, and does not consider engagement with the law and practice of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) as a tool to realise human security. This article examines the protection and assistance mandate of the ICRC and its expansion from humanitarian aid provision to long-term projects. Doctrinal research and primary data collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews are used to ascertain whether the ICRC contributes to the transformation of conflict-affected communities into more secure environments, with a particular focus on the Democratic Republic of Congo. Although the ICRC’s mandate does not expressly provide for initiatives focused on human security, many of its actions contribute positively towards the progressive realization of secure environments during and after armed conflict