Humanitarian activity as an object of cultural studies: definition, study, trends

In article cultural, legal, social features of the concept “humanitarian activity” are considered, its current state is analyzed, parallels in history are drawn. In article an attempt to formulate definition of humanitarian activity, to define criteria of compliance and discrepancy of any activity to a concept “humanitarian” is made. The author defines humanitarian activities, which, according to the author, should be understood as gratuitous assistance to needy groups of people in a state of humanitarian crisis as a result of hostilities, natural disasters or civil strife, aimed at ensuring the conditions of their physical survival, unhindered access to housing, food, medical care, education, culture. Humanitarian activities are impossible without respect for the principle of nonviolence, respect for the cultural, religious and legal norms of the recipient countries, ensuring equal access to assistance to all national, religious and social groups that need it.