World Vision calls for an end to impunity for attacks on aid work and workers on World Humanitarian Day

19 August 2024 - On World Humanitarian Day on August 19, World Vision is calling on leaders to do much more to protect the work of aid workers who are being killed and injured in increasing numbers, and who are prevented from delivering assistance to those caught in conflict.

Last year, hundreds of staff in ten countries where World Vision runs humanitarian response operations, were forced to hibernate, relocate, evacuate or temporarily suspend operations in the face of surges in conflict and rising insecurity.

The impact on World Vision’s ability to deliver aid to some of the most vulnerable people on the planet means we are calling, along with other humanitarian agencies, for an end to attacks on humanitarians, civilian populations and impunity for those carrying out those attacks in breach of International Humanitarian Law.

In Sudan, the sudden conflict that escalated in April 2023 led to the suspension of operations across much of the country. Operations are back up and running but staff are now working within active conflict zones. World Vision Sudan’s head office has had to relocate from Khartoum to Port Sudan.

In Ukraine, staff face the threat of missile and rocket attacks, are alerted via apps and text messages, and are required to hibernate in bunkers. Warnings of such attacks can happen multiple times per day, disrupting day-to-day activities.

In Haiti, in March 2024, a surge in gang violence forced the hibernation of staff in the capital Port-au-Prince, some staff evacuations, and the disruption of aid delivery pipelines following the seizure of the port.

Operations in some areas within Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali, Nepal, Timor-Leste, DR Congo and Syria were also temporarily suspended during the past 12 months due to insecurity.

Last year marked the deadliest year on record for humanitarian workers across all organisations as they increasingly became caught up in conflict or were targeted by armed actors. 280 humanitarians were killed, mostly nationals. But 2024 is on track to be even worse.

This World Humanitarian Day World Vision is calling for attacks on humanitarian workers and assets, as well as on civilians, to stop and for those who commit violations of humanitarian law to be held to account.

Moussa Sangara, World Vision Director of Humanitarian Operations, said: “The work of humanitarian aid workers often takes place in some of the most difficult, desperate and dangerous parts of the world. We do everything we can to keep our staff safe, but we must do this while meeting ever greater need in a world where conflict is spreading.”

“On World Humanitarian Day it is important to recognise the work of all humanitarian workers and to remember those who have lost their lives or been harmed helping others. We must remind leaders that humanitarians must not be targeted or obstructed. Our humanitarian imperative is to deliver aid and assistance to whoever is in need based on the principles of impartiality and neutrality.”

International humanitarian law is a set of rules that seek to limit the effects of armed conflict. It lays out the responsibilities of states and non-state armed groups during an armed conflict and requires the unhindered passage of humanitarian aid, freedom of movement for humanitarian workers, the protection of civilians (including humanitarian workers), and the protection of refugees.

World Vision has more than 22,000 staff, working in 58 National Office and response operations countries. Although most are rated low or medium risk, humanitarian and development operations also take place in countries and areas affected by armed conflict, criminality, gang violence, and the threat of sexual violence. No staff member was killed in conflict during 2023-24.

World Vision takes staff safety and protection extremely seriously. Security advisors constantly assess individual country security landscapes and provide guidance. Staff working in high-risk contexts are required to undergo regular and robust security training and certification. World Vision also provides training in mental health resilience and access to support services to help staff deal with the challenge of working in insecure environments.