UN warning: Violence against auxiliary workers threatens global help

UN warning: Violence against auxiliary workers threatens global help

In an alarming report, the UN Nothilfekoordinator Joyce Msuya pointed out the drastic increase in attacks on humanitarian helpers in 2023. This is a year that, according to the previous numbers, represents the deadliest for these brave people, who often work under extreme conditions to help in crisis regions. MSUYA describes the normalization of violence against employees of aid organizations as unacceptable and unforgivable, which not only endangers the work of the helpers, but also the livelihood of many people in need.

These violent attacks have far -reaching consequences that go far beyond the immediate areas of conflict. Hunger crises, displacement and the spread of infectious diseases are direct consequences of the disability of humanitarian aid. According to Msuya, more than mere explanations are required; Determined action is needed to change this worrying situation. The enormous challenges in front of which humanitarian helpers are alarming and an urgent call for action for governments and international organizations are alarming

The situation of the humanitarian helpers in 2023

Humanitarian helpers often stand out extreme risks to support people in need. In recent years, however, violence against these groups has intensified. In conflict zones in particular, they are often the goal of attacks, and the fact that such violent acts are now considered normalized is an incredible step backwards in global help. MSUYA demands that these security problems are addressed immediately because they have a significant impact on the entire humanitarian aid and the security of the civilian population.

The fact that there were so many attacks on helpers in a year is not only worrying, but also a sign of how fragile the humanitarian efforts are under the current circumstances. This speaks not only for the lack of accountability in conflicts, but also for the challenges that humanitarian organizations have to overcome in order to continue their vital work. The UN representative calls for exerting international pressure to change these dangerous conditions and to ensure the security of humanitarian helpers.

need for action and proposed solutions

The situation requires urgent measures and solutions to reduce the number of attacks on humanitarian helpers. Msuya emphasizes that the international community has a responsibility not only to condemn violence, but also to actively prevent such incidents. This includes implementing suitable protective measures and protocols that help the helpers during their missions. The lack of protection and the worrying normality of violent clashes endanger not only the helpers themselves, but also the people who rely on their support.

In addition, it is essential that governments and organizations pull together and help to defend and respect the humanitarian principles. It is important to create a safe environment for the work of these helpers so that help can be done at all. Solutions must be found quickly so that the humanitarian missions do not endanger and to provide the affected people the necessary support.

The future of humanitarian aid

The continuing conflicts and the increase in violence against humanitarian helpers throw a shadow on future humanitarian aid. The international community has to draw a clear line here to ensure that this endangered job profile that saves so many life and improves does not suffer from the increasing attacks. The challenge is not only to protect the helpers, but also to maintain people's trust in humanitarian aid. This is the only way to continue to provide the necessary support.

The unbearable situation in which humanitarian helpers work requires a rethinking process in dealing with conflicts and their effects on civil structures. It is time to raise the voice and make it clear that violence against helpers is not tolerated.

The effects of violence on humanitarian initiatives

The alarming reports on violence against employees of aid organizations not only have significant personal consequences for those affected, but also serious consequences for humanitarian initiatives as a whole. Attacks on humanitarian helpers endanger access to the most required groups, which makes urgently urgent need for auxiliary measures. In crisis areas such as Syria, Yemen or South Sudan, humanitarian employees are often the only link between the affected population and the necessary resources.

The uncertainty associated with the threat of auxiliary employees leads to a decline in the willingness of volunteers and experts to work in endangered regions. According to the report of the international aid organization Oxfam, the missions in crisis areas have decreased as a whole since 2015, which is due to increasing violence against employees. This represents a serious threat to the achievements in the areas of health, education and social support.

facts and statistics on attacks on auxiliary workers

In order to illustrate the urgency of this topic, current statistics show that the number of attacks on humanitarian helpers has increased significantly in recent years. In 2022, according to Humanitrian Outcomes's report, 431 attacks on humanitarian employees were documented, which represents an increase of 25% compared to the previous year. These attacks could be recorded in more than 40 countries worldwide, with the greatest increase in conflict regions such as Afghanistan and the Chad region in Africa.

In addition, reports from Oxfam have shown that over 80% of humanitarian employees in conflict zones regularly experience psychological stress and anxiety, which endangers the sustainable implementation of aid measures. This shows that the violence situation not only causes physical damage, but also affects the mental health of the employees, which also has a negative effect on the effectiveness of their work.

engagement of the international community

The international community has increasingly assumed responsibility to combat this violence and increase the safety of auxiliary forces. Initiatives such as the “Safety and Security for Humanitarian Workers” are the goal of setting standards and developing proven practices in order to minimize the risks that are exposed to humanitarian employees.

An example of such an engagement is the Resolution 2396 of the UN Security Council, which aims to ensure the protection of civilian and humanitarian actors in conflict situations. In many countries there are now special training programs for humanitarian employees who are supposed to train in dealing with crisis situations and potential threats. Despite these efforts, implementation remains a challenge on site, and there is an ongoing need for increased measures to ensure the safety of relief goods and their carriers.