International Humanitarian Corridors: An Experience of Logistical Complexities

This study examines the logistical complexities involved in planning and executing international humanitarian corridors, with a focus on the interplay between political, infrastructural, bureaucratic, and operational challenges. Using a comparative case study approach, the research analyses humanitarian corridors in Syria, Yemen, Ukraine, and Ethiopia’s Tigray region through the dual lenses of Humanitarian Logistics Theory and the Political Economy of Aid. Findings reveal that humanitarian corridors are not merely logistical mechanisms but politically charged constructs shaped by power asymmetries, infrastructural fragility, and fragmented coordination systems. Key barriers include bureaucratic inertia, infrastructural degradation, politicised access negotiations, and fragile global supply chains. Conversely, the Ukrainian experience demonstrates that hybrid coordination models and strong infrastructure can significantly mitigate these challenges. The study highlights the importance of anticipatory logistics, decentralised partnerships, and diplomatic capabilities among humanitarian actors. By advancing a multi-dimensional understanding of humanitarian logistics, the paper offers both theoretical insights and practical strategies to improve the efficiency and neutrality of humanitarian corridors in conflict zones.