Abstract. Current trends in humanitarian activity, related to human protection and humanitarian support in armed conflicts, are subject to influence by changing dynamics and humanitarian consequences of recent conflicts. The author uses the case of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to highlight some of the most critical problems faced by humanitarian organizations operating in contemporary conflicts. They include problems related to the humanitarian action in the context of protracted conflicts and hostilities in urban areas, sharp intensification of migratory flows, the need to ensure safety of humanitarian and medical personnel and the functioning of health systems, secure access to victims of conflicts, and promote compliance with international humanitarian law. The article also analyzes several strategic issues related to implementation of humanitarian operations: especially the need to establish dialogue with all parties to the conflict, ensure better coordination of efforts by humanitarian actors, improve financing of the humanitarian action and engage in humanitarian diplomacy.