For World Humanitarian Day, the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) joined Caritas Australia and Safer World for All in paying tribute to the dedication and sacrifice of humanitarian workers, especially those who have lost their lives in the service of others during conflicts and crises.
Since the start of 2024, more than 648 humanitarian workers have been killed, marking the deadliest year on record for the sector. In 2024 alone, a record 383 humanitarian workers were killed in the line of duty or in their homes – most of them national colleagues. Many more were injured, kidnapped or detained.
Perhaps more than ever, the humanitarian system is under threat and the rules that keep frontline responders and civilians safe are losing effect. Frontline workers and civilians are being increasingly targeted, their safety and the delivery of life-saving assistance remain at serious risk.
On the afternoon of the 19th of August, ACFID alongside Caritas Australia and Safer World for All hosted a commemorative and wreath laying service at the Australian Overseas Aid Volunteer Memorial in Canberra, bringing together representatives from government, civil society, and diverse faith communities to reflect, honour and stand in solidarity with humanitarian workers around the world.
Kirsten Sayers, CEO at Caritas Australia said, “Humanitarians represent the very best of humanity, standing alongside the world’s most vulnerable in some of its most dangerous places. Their work deserves protection — yet each year, it becomes more perilous.”
“In Ukraine our partners describe an expanding “death zone” along the front line that now spans 25 kilometres. Work in these zones is dangerous and even deadly, with drone attacks on civilians and humanitarian workers alike. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, two Caritas Goma staff have been kidnapped in recent weeks. In Gaza – where our colleagues have been killed and injured in the past two years – our partners describe “living a horror movie”. Many of them are wasting away alongside the people they serve, with work as their only motivation.”
“Today, we honour their sacrifice while calling for stronger safeguards for humanitarian workers, and accountability when those protections are breached. There is hope in Minister Wong’s initiative to launch a Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, which is a vital step forward in rallying the international community to stand with and protect these brave individuals who risk everything to save others.”
To support Caritas Australia’s Emergency Response Appeal, visit www.caritas.org.au/emergency or call 1800 024 413 toll free.
