International Aid Responses to Crimes Against Humanity verses Natural Disasters: The Case of Rwanda, Darfur and the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami

Abstract

Regardless of the cause of mass loss of life, it is the responsibility of all to recognize need, acknowledge cause and provide aid in times of disaster. It is the responsibility of nations to educate their citizens to recognize and respond in the event of natural disasters and to support Washington and Lee University intervention to prevent crimes against humanity. It is only when nations fail to protect their citizens that international powers have the responsibility and right to intervene. As technology continues to shrink the world, increased knowledge of disasters demands international powers to intervene in crimes and offer humanitarian aid. It is only through collective measures, with regard to the right of all humans to have the basic needs of food, shelter, and safety, that we can reduce mass loss of life and minimize impact on the poor. [From concluding section]