Good offices

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The term good offices ( French bons offices , Latin bona officia ) refers to diplomatic and humanitarian initiatives of a third country or another neutral institution in the field of international law and international relations , the aim of which is the settlement of an international conflict between different countries or its bridging is to reduce the consequences of the conflict. In relation to conflict resolution, this particularly includes efforts to mediate and mediate . During an ongoing conflict, good offices include, for example, the appearance of a third country as a protective power to maintain contacts between parties to the conflict who do not have direct diplomatic relations with one another, as well as the provision of humanitarian aid .

The provision of good offices can either be based on a voluntary offer by a country or an institution or at the request of the conflicting parties. Countries with a long tradition and reputation for neutrality , such as Switzerland and Sweden, are outstanding in the area of ​​good offices . The United Nations as an international organization has also played an essential role since its inception. Private organizations with corresponding activities include the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Center for Humanitarian Dialogue based in the Swiss city of Geneva .

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