Jay Sharma
(NLIU, Bhopal)
The credit of the picture - https://www.icrc.org/en/document/humanitarian-action-responding-new-challenges
Humanitarian workers play a vital role in providing assistance to civilians affected by armed conflict. They deliver food, water, medical aid, and shelter to those in need, often in hazardous and challenging conditions. However, these workers are increasingly becoming targets of attacks by armed groups, putting their lives at risk and hindering the delivery of essential aid. Recently, in the state of Jonglei in South Sudan, a convoy of one hundred trucks carrying food and other aid was ambushed. World Food Programme (WFP) convoy movements in Jonglei state have been temporarily halted due to the attack, the second such halt in as many weeks.
The humanitarian situation is exacerbated by systemic violence, access restrictions, public health issues, and climate shocks such as floods. In spite of humanitarians’ best efforts, the persistence of violent attacks undermines their capacity to offer the desperately required life support. In this blog post, the author explores the challenges facing the protection of humanitarian workers in armed conflict, as well as the solutions that can be implemented to improve their safety and effectiveness.
The Challenge: Attacks on Humanitarian Workers
The targeting of humanitarian workers has become a disturbing trend in recent years. According to the Aid Worker Security Database, there were 283 reported incidents of violence against aid workers in 2020 alone, resulting in 117 deaths and 242 injuries. When compared to previous years, these numbers represent a significant increase, with a 78.6% increase from 2015 and a 104% increase from 2010. These figures highlight the growing dangers faced by those working in the humanitarian sector.
Humanitarian workers are targeted for various reasons, including their perceived association with certain governments or organizations, their role in delivering aid to rival communities, and their access to valuable resources. Armed groups may also see aid workers as a means of gaining publicity or negotiating leverage. In some cases, attacks on humanitarian workers may be carried out as a form of intimidation or punishment.
The consequences of attacks on humanitarian workers are significant. They not only put the lives of aid workers at risk but also have a broader impact on the delivery of aid. When humanitarian workers are targeted, it becomes more difficult to reach those in need, and essential services such as food, water, and medical aid may be disrupted or delayed. This can have severe consequences for the health and well-being of civilians affected by conflict.
The Solution: Strengthening the Protection of Humanitarian Workers
Protecting humanitarian workers in armed conflict is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a range of measures to be effective. Solutions that must be implemented to strengthen the protection of humanitarian workers include;
1. Strengthening Legal Frameworks
International Humanitarian Law (IHL) provides a legal framework for the protection of humanitarian workers in armed conflict. The Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols establish the rights and responsibilities of parties to armed conflicts, including the protection of humanitarian workers. However, these legal frameworks are often not effectively implemented or enforced.
One way to strengthen legal frameworks for the protection of humanitarian workers is to ensure that they are incorporated into national legal systems. States should adopt and enforce laws that criminalize attacks on humanitarian workers and provide for the investigation and prosecution of those responsible. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has developed a model law on the protection of humanitarian workers that can be used as a guide by states when developing their own legal frameworks.
2. Increasing Awareness and Respect for Humanitarian Principles
The principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence are central to the work of humanitarian organizations. These principles guide the provision of aid and ensure that it is provided based on need alone, without discrimination or political considerations. However, these principles are not always respected by armed groups, who may see humanitarian organizations as extensions of the state or as being biased in favour of certain communities.
Increasing awareness and respect for humanitarian principles among all parties to armed conflicts is critical for the protection of humanitarian workers. Humanitarian organizations can work to educate armed groups and other actors about the principles that guide their work and the importance of impartiality and neutrality. They can also engage in dialogue and negotiation with armed groups to secure safe access to civilians in need.
3. Strengthening Security Management and Risk Reduction
Humanitarian organizations must take steps to ensure the safety and security of their staff in order to effectively deliver aid in conflict zones. This includes implementing robust security management policies and procedures, providing appropriate training and resources for staff, and engaging with local communities to identify and mitigate security risks.
Humanitarian organizations can also collaborate with each other and with government and military actors to develop and implement comprehensive security strategies that prioritize the safety of humanitarian workers. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has developed a Humanitarian Security Risk Management framework that provides guidance on risk management for humanitarian organizations operating in high-risk environments.
4. Holding Perpetrators Accountable
Holding perpetrators accountable for attacks on humanitarian workers is essential to deter future attacks and ensure justice for victims. States have a responsibility to investigate and prosecute those responsible for attacks on humanitarian workers, and to provide effective remedies for victims.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has jurisdiction over war crimes, including attacks on humanitarian workers, committed during armed conflict. The ICC can investigate and prosecute individuals who are responsible for serious violations of IHL, including attacks on humanitarian workers. In addition, the ICRC has established a database of incidents of violence against humanitarian workers, which can be used to support investigations and prosecutions.
Conclusion
The targeting of humanitarian workers in armed conflict is a serious and growing problem that threatens the delivery of essential aid to those in need. Strengthening the protection of humanitarian workers requires a range of measures, including strengthening legal frameworks, increasing awareness and respect for humanitarian principles, strengthening security management and risk reduction, and holding perpetrators accountable.
While progress has been made in recent years, more needs to be done to ensure that humanitarian workers can operate safely and effectively in conflict zones. The international community must work together to support and protect those who risk their lives to provide aid to those in need and to ensure that those who target humanitarian workers are held accountable for their actions.
In conclusion, the protection of humanitarian workers in armed conflict is a complex issue that requires attention from all stakeholders involved in conflict resolution. Despite the various challenges faced by humanitarian workers, there are solutions that can be implemented to mitigate the risks they face. These solutions include increased accountability for attacks on humanitarian workers, better training and equipment for those on the ground, and the implementation of international laws and conventions. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of all parties involved in armed conflict to ensure the safety and protection of those who are providing essential humanitarian assistance. Only through collaboration and a commitment to protecting human rights can we hope to address this pressing issue and provide aid to those who need it most.