World Vision calls for an end to impunity for attacks on aid work and workers
Press Release - 19th August 2024. In a world increasingly burdened by wars, disease, and widespread hunger, the demand for humanitarian aid is more urgent than ever. On this World Humanitarian Day, World Vision is urgently calling on global leaders to intensify their efforts to safeguard the lives and 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 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 national staff, and 2024 is on track to be even worse.
Over the past year, hundreds of World Vision staff across ten countries have been forced to hibernate, relocate, evacuate or temporarily suspend operations. In Sudan, the sudden outbreak of conflict in April 2023 led to a widespread suspension of activities. Although operations have since resumed, staff are now working within active conflict zones, and the organisation’s head office has had to relocate from Khartoum to Port Sudan for safety.
In Ukraine, staff continue to face the constant threat of missile and rocket attacks, with frequent alerts disrupting daily operations as they are forced to hibernate in bunkers multiple times a day. In Haiti, a surge in gang violence in March 2024 led to the hibernation of staff in Port-au-Prince, the evacuation of some personnel, and significant disruptions to aid delivery pipelines following the seizure of the port. Additionally, operations in parts of Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali, Nepal, Timor-Leste, DR Congo, and Syria were temporarily suspended due to security concerns over the past 12 months.
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.”
“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.”
This World Humanitarian Day, World Vision is urging an immediate end to attacks on humanitarian workers, assets and civilians, and calling for those who violate international humanitarian law to be held accountable. The International Humanitarian Law is a vital framework designed to limit the devastating effects of armed conflict. It outlines the responsibilities of both states and non-state armed groups, ensuring the unhindered passage of humanitarian aid, freedom of movement for aid workers, and the protection of civilians, including those delivering humanitarian assistance, as well as the safeguarding 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. Despite these challenging environments, no staff members were 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.
World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.
For all media enquires or spokespeople in relation to this story, please contact our media team.
