title: [The law, an indispensable instrument for humanitarian action].
abstract: In this article, the author describes, in layman's terms, the legal framework for international humanitarian operations. He explains a number of complex and intricate principles used in these situations. He acknowledges the burden that legal considerations place on humanitarian organizations but also demonstrates that legal expertise is an indispensable tool in the provision of humanitarian services.
authors.affiliation: Laboratoire de Droit humanitaire et de Gestion humaine des Crises, Faculté de Droit d'Aix-Marseille, 3 avenue Robert Schuman, 036 Bâtiment Portalier, 4200 Aix-en-Provence, France. mdomestici@aol.com
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Domestici-Met
mesh_terms: D000533:Altruism; D004189:Disaster Planning / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D005060:Europe; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D012066:Relief Work / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D014480:United Nations / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence