[Conclusion: challenges and stakes in humanitarian action in the XXIth century]

The authors in the special issue devoted to humanitarian action use their own experience, analysis, and thought as a basis for identifying the challenges and stakes facing humanitarian action in the twenty-first century. They present their thoughts on the relevance of humanitarian intervention, on the need to combine emergency aid with development assistance, and on the development of governmental humanitarian action. In today's world there is a compelling obligation for communities with resources and means to undertake humanitarian action in the name of human dignity. Adopting a code of conduct, respecting minimal standards, and evaluating the outcome are now universally accepted principles, but the modalities of applying these principles are still subject to discussion especially with regard to standards and accreditation. The importance of adequate training and preparation for humanitarian action has also been established. Currently most humanitarian operations involve numerous actors from different organizations that may be national or international as well as governmental, intergovernmental, or non-governmental. A major portion of this issue is devoted to the relationship between military forces and humanitarian organizations. The need to coordinate action in the field is emphasized. Humanitarian actions are increasingly complex operations carried out in fast-changing situations by numerous players. As a result it has become more and more important that actors in the field know each other in order to work together efficiently and thus better reach their common goal of relieving and preventing human suffering in accordance with ethical principles.