A rapid-response mechanism for aid workers
Every day, thousands of humanitarian workers risk their lives helping people in conflict and disaster zones. At times, unfortunately, they themselves become victims and need assistance. Sometimes they are targeted because of the work they do.
EU-funded Protect Aid Workers supports humanitarian staff who experience critical incidents in the line of duty, ensuring their safety and recovery.
Why is it important?
Humanitarian work has become more dangerous in recent years. Attacks against humanitarian personnel, whether deliberate or not, continue and require joint efforts to address them
Local and national frontline workers face the greatest risks – whether they are employed formally by international, national or local organisations, or are working outside the aid system. In fact, national workers account for 90% of the individuals attacked.
Despite this, national staff remain the least protected. The Protect Aid Workers mechanism aims to address this.
How are we helping?
- We run a rapid-response mechanism that can provide, on short notice, financial support of up to €10,000 towards incident response and protection of aid workers.
- We support aid workers who are or have been threatened with arrest and detention.
- We monitor the situation of aid workers and raise awareness about their need for protection.
- We promote the exchange of good practices in duty of care for staff.
The types of assistance we provide:
Protection grants
This assistance includes the allocation of grants to humanitarian organisations to cover the cost of protection measures and post-incident support for staff. The aim is to:
- protect staff from further harm
- support their recovery
- improve their well-being
Legal aid
The grants include legal fees to support aid workers who are threatened or have been threatened with arrest and detention. Those who have experienced incidents may also be eligible for referral to Legal Action Worldwide for legal aid.