Protecting those who protect - Building momentum in Geneva for the protection of aid workers

On 30 September, the EU Delegation and the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union co-hosted the event “Protecting those who Protect” at the EU Delegation in Geneva. Bringing together over 70 participants, the event aimed to raise awareness of the protection of aid workers among the Geneva humanitarian, human rights and peace communities, while also seeking to bring perspectives from Geneva into the upcoming Brussels conference.

Opening the event, EU Chargé d’Affaires Ambassador Michele Cervone d’Urso placed the discussion in the broader context of ongoing international efforts to strengthen the protection of humanitarian personnel. He pointed to the work of the Group of Friends on the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, ongoing discussions at the Human Rights Council and UN General Assembly, and the forthcoming IHL Summit in Jordan.

“When aid workers are attacked and prevented from working, the impact extends far beyond the individuals concerned. Such attacks disrupt access, undermine aid delivery, and create a cascading effect for many more people in need. This is why it is so important not only to express concern, but to move towards action. Concern alone is not protection. The scale of attacks against aid workers is deeply alarming, and it is essential that a broad range of States is aware of the gravity of the situation.” - EU Chargé d’Affaires Ambassador Michele Cervone d’Urso

The panel featured Yasmine Praz Dessimoz, Director of Operations at the ICRC, Antonia Mulvey, Executive Director of Legal Action Worldwide, Omar Ahmed Abenza, Director of Programmes at CIVIC, and Ukrainian humanitarian volunteer Oleh Degusarov. The discussion was moderated by Emmy Award-winning journalist and former CNN anchor George K. Howell.

Across the panel, a clear picture emerged of an increasingly dangerous environment for humanitarian personnel. Drawing on situations including Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, South Sudan and Gaza, the panelists noted that while humanitarian work in conflict settings has always carried risks, those risks are now materialising with alarming frequency. They warned of a troubling reversal in the burden of proof, whereby aid workers and humanitarian facilities are increasingly expected to demonstrate their neutrality to armed actors.

At the same time, panellists underlined how new threats are compounding the problem. Online hate speech and misinformation can fuel mistrust and polarisation, while the growing use of autonomous weapons and drones in armed conflict is contributing to the dehumanisation of civilians, including aid workers. Speakers also pointed to the legal implications of these developments, noting that modern methods of warfare can destroy evidence crucial for accountability. 

Based on his own experience, Oleh Degusarov called for stronger mental health support for humanitarian staff and for rules that keep pace with the realities of modern warfare. His testimony gave a human face to the issue, reminding participants that behind every attack there is a person, a family and a community.

A recurring message throughout the discussion was that the central problem is not the absence of rules, but their implementation. International humanitarian law remains robust, yet persistent failures to respect and enforce it continue to expose humanitarian personnel to unacceptable risks. Participants from the floor stressed the need to move beyond political declarations towards more coordinated and practical follow-up.

The European Union is keen to broaden awareness of the critically important issue of the Protection of Aid Workers among a wide circle of Member States. This conversation must extend beyond the usual humanitarian actors and donors. 

“We also hope to engage other countries committed to this cause. This include all the countries that have endorsed the crucial Australia-led Declaration and participate in the corresponding Group of Friends chaired by Australia and Jordan here in Geneva. But also all countries addressing these same concerns in the Human Rights Council, with a number of resolutions proposed on this topic. Or countries who will be discussing the UNGA Resolution on the Safety and Security of UN and humanitarian personnel which we facilitate as EU. And last but not least, all those of us who are preparing to recommit to the rules of humanity in war at the Summit which will be hosted by Jordan in December,” emphasized EU Ambassador Michele Cervone d’Urso.

Participants also pointed to the recent IASC Joint Recommendations on Operationalising the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel as a useful basis for further action. Attention was also drawn to the EU-funded Protect Aid Workers mechanism, launched in February 2024, which supports aid workers affected by critical incidents in the line of duty. The mechanism places particular emphasis on local and national responders, who account for the vast majority of casualties among humanitarian personnel.

Concluding the event, Irish Ambassador Laurence Simms expressed strong support for the Brussels Conference and the hope that it will help turn the growing international attention to the protection of humanitarian personnel into concrete action.