Humanitarian corridors: Their importance and challenges

The term "humanitarian corridor" has become a hot topic in recent days, after UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on a recent visit to Dhaka proposed the creation of a channel for relief and aid to conflict-ridden and earthquake-hit Myanmar.  

The proposal faced strong criticism from political parties, prompting the interim government to clarify its stance. In front of Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on May 4, National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman reiterated that Bangladesh has not consented to any "humanitarian corridor" into Myanmar's war-torn Rakhine state. 

Questions were raised about the feasibility and objectives of such a corridor. Dhaka Stream examines the issue in detail.

What is a humanitarian corridor?

Also known as evacuation routes or safe passages, a humanitarian corridor usually is a zone that is essentially demilitarised for designated periods to get humanitarian services to a specific region hit by natural calamity or conflict.

According to an article published on the University of San Diego's website, humanitarian corridors allow workers to move food, medical aid, and other essential items through a specific area. It also allows for the safe evacuation of civilians, the wounded or the ill.

Humanitarian corridors are intended to be safe, but parties often fail to stay true to the treaties. A devastating example is Israel's bombing of declared safe zones in late 2023 along the Gaza Strip, which targeted schools and refugee shelters.

Which parties need to be on board?

Conflicting parties, as well as any state or nation through which the corridor will pass, must come together on certain points for it to be functional. Third parties, like another powerful nation or an international body like the UN or NATO, frequently urge dialogue to find a peaceful resolution. They agree to make it safe for unarmed civilians and provide food and aid in the interim.

Although the UN suggested a safe passage for Rakhine State, the UN does not always have to take the lead in ensuring safe passage. Other such corridors were led by numerous humanitarian organisations, such as the Red Cross, or occasionally by a foreign nation. For instance, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)-led evacuation corridor from Mariupol, Ukraine, during the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022. The Bab al-Hawa – the primary intermediary for the delivery of humanitarian aid to northwest Syria was Turkey – border crossing can serve as a further example. 

International humanitarian law

IHL, or the International Humanitarian Law is a legal set of rules to minimize the casualties of a war, and protect unarmed individuals, including civilians and humanitarian workers, within a hostile territory. 

While IHL doesn't explicitly mention humanitarian corridors, a mandate to provide humanitarian aid and to allow the exit of asylum-seekers implies the existence of such protections.

The Geneva Conventions, which are four international treaties that define the criteria of international humanitarian law, "require nations to allow the 'rapid and unimpeded passage' of relief items, including food and clothing, to people in danger—humanitarian protections for civilians caught in the middle of a war". In addition, the United Nations passed resolution 45/100 in 1990 "recognizing the concept of relief corridors for humanitarian—not political or military—purposes". 

Differences between humanitarian corridors and ceasefire?

One may wonder if these two terms are synonymous as they both involve the absence of military aggression, but there are some distinct differences.

A ceasefire means an official suspension of combat agreed upon by all conflicting parties. A ceasefire is usually a formal agreement for a fixed duration. By that time, parties hold discussions to end the armed conflict. 

The ultimate goal of a humanitarian corridor is to provide medical and food aid in the conflicting areas. 

Examples of humanitarian corridors

The concept of a humanitarian corridor has existed for decades, even dating back to World War II. Some of the best-known examples are:

• During what was referred to as the "Kindertransport," nearly 10,000 Jewish children were evacuated to the United Kingdom from Nazi-controlled areas between 1938 and 1939.

• In 1993 during the Bosnian War, the United Nations created six humanitarian corridors in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but Bosnian Serb forces rejected the corridors explicitly.
• In 2022, Russia was accused of attacking several attempts at humanitarian corridors in Mariupol, Ukraine, trapping at the time approximately 120,000 civilians.
• There have been several attacks on humanitarian corridors along the Gaza Strip during Israel's ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Most recently, the head of the European Commission announced in early 2024 that a maritime humanitarian corridor will open between Cyprus and Gaza to bring much-needed aid to Palestinians.
• A humanitarian corridor helped workers deliver food and aid to Ethiopia's Tigray region, though the route was shut down abruptly due to renewed fighting. The area has been experiencing conflict since November 2020 when the Ethiopian government commenced military operations in the area against the wishes of the Tigray People's Liberation Front.

Possible Risks for Bangladesh

If Bangladesh allows a humanitarian corridor for Rakhine State, there could be many possible outcomes. 

One could be security threats to Bangladesh. Armed groups, such as the Arakan Army (AA) may exploit the corridor for attacks, or even smuggling. Another possibility is spillover violence could create unrest along Bangladeshi border areas. 

Bangladesh already hosts 1.2 million Rohingya. Experts warn that this decision could worsen the crisis. More Rohingya may flee to Bangladesh if this project fails. 

Another risk is Myanmar's unreliable commitments. The Junta government has blocked aid before. There is no guarantee that aid will reach starving Rohingya & Rakhine civilians.  

So, what now? 

After the 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar, the idea of a humanitarian corridor to Rakhine State highlights both the urgency of delivering aid and the complex realities on the ground. While such corridors are meant to provide safe passage for civilians and relief efforts, past examples show that they often face significant challenges. For Bangladesh, supporting this initiative involves weighing humanitarian goals against potential security and political risks. As the situation develops, careful monitoring and clear international cooperation will be essential.