World Vision welcomes Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel
World Vision welcomes today’s launch of the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, a vital step forward in safeguarding those who risk everything to serve communities in crisis and to protect humanitarian access.
In 2024 alone, 383 aid workers were killed – a shocking 31% increase from the previous year. A further 308 more were wounded. So far this year, 265 aid workers have been killed, putting this year on course to become the deadliest ever for humanitarian personnel.
The Declaration was launched today at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and partners in a bid to improve aid worker safety.
It has been spearheaded by Australia to reinforce existing obligations under International Humanitarian Law and complements relevant UN resolutions.
World Vision New Zealand’s Acting National Director, TJ Grant, says it’s vital aid organisations and their staff can undertake their work unimpeded and with safety.
“This Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel marks a critical milestone in global efforts to safeguard those who risk everything to serve others. Humanitarian workers are stepping up in the world's most dangerous places to bring hope for the most vulnerable," he says.
"I urge all parties to conflict—State and non-State alike—to uphold their obligations under international law and ensure the safety of humanitarian staff. Together, we must turn political will into practical action that protects lives and preserves humanitarian access.”
As a global Christian child-focused relief, development and advocacy organisation with 75 years of experience, World Vision stands in solidarity with all humanitarian actors who risk their lives to bring assistance, hope and healing to communities affected by conflict and disaster.
The Declaration focuses on four key areas:
World Vision is particularly encouraged by the pragmatic approach of the Declaration, and its focus on practical steps to translate political will into action that will make a difference for aid workers and communities on the ground, and protect vital humanitarian access.
We call on governments to endorse the declaration, join the Group of Friends in Geneva, and contribute to taking meaningful collective steps to protect principled humanitarian work.
In 2024 alone, 383 aid workers were killed – a shocking 31% increase from the previous year. A further 308 more were wounded. So far this year, 265 aid workers have been killed, putting this year on course to become the deadliest ever for humanitarian personnel.
The Declaration was launched today at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and partners in a bid to improve aid worker safety.
It has been spearheaded by Australia to reinforce existing obligations under International Humanitarian Law and complements relevant UN resolutions.
World Vision New Zealand’s Acting National Director, TJ Grant, says it’s vital aid organisations and their staff can undertake their work unimpeded and with safety.
“This Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel marks a critical milestone in global efforts to safeguard those who risk everything to serve others. Humanitarian workers are stepping up in the world's most dangerous places to bring hope for the most vulnerable," he says.
"I urge all parties to conflict—State and non-State alike—to uphold their obligations under international law and ensure the safety of humanitarian staff. Together, we must turn political will into practical action that protects lives and preserves humanitarian access.”
As a global Christian child-focused relief, development and advocacy organisation with 75 years of experience, World Vision stands in solidarity with all humanitarian actors who risk their lives to bring assistance, hope and healing to communities affected by conflict and disaster.
The Declaration focuses on four key areas:
- Adherence to International Humanitarian Law
- Humanitarian access
- Alignment of protections for international and local workers
- Accountability
World Vision is particularly encouraged by the pragmatic approach of the Declaration, and its focus on practical steps to translate political will into action that will make a difference for aid workers and communities on the ground, and protect vital humanitarian access.
We call on governments to endorse the declaration, join the Group of Friends in Geneva, and contribute to taking meaningful collective steps to protect principled humanitarian work.