The justification of NATO actions in Kosovo in "humanitarian" terms leads us to examine what exactly is meant by this concept, whose definition escrima stick is not exactly clear.Indeed, the term suggests something different when used by "humanitarian organizations" such as the ICRC, than when used by state actors.This is not to say that the actions of NATO in Kosovo, which may be better understood in conventional human rights terms, are necessarily invalid.
Rather, it is to draw attention to the Desk Accessories differing interpretations of the concept, the consequences of which are significant for aIl involved.