- EU highlights the Protect Aid Workers initiative providing legal aid and financial support to local aid workers.
- 2023 was the deadliest year for humanitarian workers, and 2024 is expected to be similarly dangerous.
- The EU urges stronger international action to uphold International Humanitarian Law and protect aid workers.
As the world prepares to mark World Humanitarian Day, EU officials have called for enhanced protections for aid workers, who often risk their lives in conflict zones.
The EU’s Protect Aid Workers initiative, launched in February 2024, has already provided legal and financial assistance to 25 local aid workers facing threats.
Urgent Call for Global Action to Safeguard Humanitarian Worker
The statement underscores the growing trend of attacks on humanitarian workers, with 2023 being the deadliest year on record. The EU stresses that protecting these workers is not just a moral obligation but a legal one under International Humanitarian Law (IHL). The EU’s call to action urges the global community to uphold IHL and prevent further impunity and violence against aid workers.
The EU’s statement highlights the alarming trend of rising attacks on humanitarian workers, with 2023 recorded as the deadliest year for the sector. The precarious situation in areas such as the Occupied Palestinian West Bank and Gaza exemplifies the extreme risks faced by these workers daily. Despite the critical nature of their work, local aid workers frequently find themselves without the backing of larger international organizations.
While the Protect Aid Workers initiative is a significant step forward, EU officials stress that it is only a part of the broader effort needed to ensure the safety of humanitarian workers worldwid. They call for stronger adherence to International Humanitarian Law (IHL), which mandates the protection of those providing life-saving aid in conflict zones. The erosion of these legal norms has led to a concerning increase in violence and impunity, endangering both civilians and aid workers alike.
The EU’s message is clear: the international community must take decisive action to uphold IHL and protect humanitarian workers. As World Humanitarian Day approaches, this call to action serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by those who risk their lives to help others in times of crisis.
As we observe World Humanitarian Day, it is imperative to recognize that the safety and protection of aid workers are not just moral imperatives but legal obligations that must be upheld to prevent further violence and impunity.
“Protecting aid workers is not only the right thing to do, but a legal obligation under IHL.”
