The urgent necessity to protect humanitarian aid and health workers – increasing prevention, protection and response to attacks | VOICE Out Loud #38
In the latest VOICE Out Loud #38, Chibuzo Okonta, former CEO of Action Against Hunger – France, provides an overview of the escalating violence faced by humanitarian and health workers in conflict zones such as the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Sudan. Okonta highlights the urgent need for stronger international efforts to prevent attacks, ensure accountability, reinforce compliance with IHL, and increase funding for security measures.
The article reflects on how humanitarian workers are increasingly being targeted, despite being protected under international law. In Gaza, for example, where the humanitarian crisis continues to deepen, dozens of aid workers have been killed while trying to deliver life-saving assistance. In Sudan, attacks on healthcare facilities and staff have contributed to the collapse of essential services. These acts not only violate international humanitarian law, but severely undermine the ability of organisations to respond to urgent needs. Okonta calls for political will from states and donors to prioritise the protection of civilians and humanitarian actors.
Click here to read the full article: The urgent necessity to protect humanitarian aid and health workers – increasing prevention, protection and response to attacks
Click here to read VOICE Out Loud 38 “Upholding Humanity – The Role and Future of International Humanitarian Law”
The VOICE Out Loud 38 "Upholding Humanity - The role and future of International Humanitarian Law", takes a critical look at the growing threats to International Humanitarian Law (IHL) amidst the world’s escalating crises. This issue features insights from our members, including DanChurchAid, Action Against Hunger France, Terre des Hommes Italy, Oxfam, and Diakonia/Act Alliance with an interview to the former EU Commissioner for crisis management Janez Lenarčič.
