Ensuring the safety and security of humanitarian and medical personnel in armed conflict - Moving from words to action

 

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Amid raising need and increasing complexity, data on attacks against humanitarians and health workers reveals continued, and sometimes lethal, challenges to safety and access. Despite protection under IHL, in 2022 there were at least 1,809 incidents of violence against health care in 37 conflicts, with direct implications for humanitarian access. In the same year, at least 542 aid workers were either killed, kidnapped, wounded or arrested. National staff on the frontline of response delivery face the greatest risks.

In the last 10 years, numerous initiatives to protect humanitarian and health workers have been launched by NGOs and states, including UN Security Council Resolution 2175 and 2286.  Yet, these initiatives lack adequate coordination, follow-up, or accountability, resulting notably in a trend of impunity.

This humanitarian talk builds on the 2021 “Discussion Series on Ensuring the protection, safety and security of humanitarian workers and medical personnel in armed conflict”, and the 2022 European Humanitarian Forum calls to come together to strengthen the protection of humanitarian and health workers.

Partners and participants will be invited to discuss operational approaches to turn commitments into action and to step up engagements towards better protection for humanitarian and health staff.

Organisers and partners:

  • Action contre la Faim (ACF)
  • Médecins du Monde (MdM)
  • Federation Handicap International - Humanity & Inclusion (HI)
  • Global Interagency Security Forum (GISF)
  • International Rescue Committee (IRC)
  • International NGO Safety Organisation (INSO)
  • Insecurity Insight

Moderator:

  • Mrs Helena Ranchal – Director of International Operations, Médecins du Monde (MdM)

Panellists:

  • Mrs Heather Hughes – Deputy Director, Global Interagency Security Forum (GISF)
  • Mr Michael Walker – Director Analysis & Research Team, International NGO Safety Organisation (INSO)
  • Mr Babatunde Anthony Ojei – Country Director, International Rescue Committee (IRC), Nigeria
  • Mrs Christina Wille – Director, Insecurity Insight
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