Side Event to Protection of Civilians (PoC) Week
Humanitarians under attack: contemporary challenges faced by frontline workers
Where: New York, UNHQ (CR8)
When: Friday 23 May 2025, 13:15-14:30
International humanitarian law is the foundation for alleviating human suffering in conflict. It provides a legal framework for the protection of civilians, including humanitarian personnel who assist and protect victims of armed conflict. Yet, recent years have seen an alarming increase in incidents impacting aid workers. These include direct attacks, restrictions (including bureaucratic impediments) limiting access, and disinformation campaigns. Humanitarian action is increasingly being politicized and criminalized. 2024 was the deadliest year on record for humanitarian personnel, with national and locally recruited personnel representing over 90 per cent of those affected, and perpetrators remaining largely unaccountable.
On the oneyear anniversary of the adoption of UN Security Council 2730 (2024), this side-event co-hosted by Australia and Switzerland and co-sponsored by a crossregional group of states presents an opportunity for member states to rededicate themselves to the protection of humanitarian personnel. Consisting of representatives of UN agencies, the ICRC, and international and non-governmental organisations, the panelists will present some of the daily challenges faced by national and locally recruited humanitarian personnel working in conflict zones today.