Humanitarian affairs are now a major factor in international relations. Assistance to victims of armed conflict or natural disasters play an important role in policy debates at the domestic level, in international and non-international organizations and in the media. Budgets for international emergency aid are growing while development aid dwindles. Charity has become the answer to all ills, and the “victim” is a symbol of our time. After having examined some of the recent humanitarian crises and discussed relevant policy issues, the author puts forward several proposals to change policies and institutions. He advocates reinforcing conditions which will enable the principles enshrined in the UN Charter to be put into effect and, at the same time, will diminish the need, and space, for charity.