Attacks on Humanitarian Aid Workers: A Threat to Humanity

Humanitarian aid workers belonging to UN (United Nation) organizations, the Red Cross / Red Crescent and various other international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and private voluntary organizations (PVOs) have been enjoying international legal protection, and in fact, immunity from attacks by violent gangs and terrorist organizations. But on the flipside, with the escalating war crime allegations and conflicts in countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of the Congo, among many others, serious attacks on humanitarian aid workers also have occurred frequently, making it one of the major global concerns. Many surveys and researches have revealed that violence against humanitarian aid personnel has grown exponentially over the past couple of decades. To be more precise, in 2012, as many as 167 cases related to violence against aid workers were reported and the numbers grown to 461 in 2013, highlighting the rapidly rising violence and cruelty around the world.

Humanitarian aid workers are the ones who selflessly work in front line conditions (which most of the people don’t even think of), providing essential supplies like food, water, clothes, medicines and other facilities to the people who have been severely affected by war, natural disasters or other environmental or developmental issues. Despite appreciating and rewarding them for such noble deeds and ensuring all-round humanitarian aid worker security, they are being tortured, kidnapped and killed mercilessly by terrorist groups and belligerent parties in some countries, making others lose faith in humanity.

Some very common factors that have resulted in rising attacks and violence against humanitarian aid workers include the nature of conflicts that humanitarian aid organizations work within, the model of humanitarian work, political and institutional dynamics and degrading economic conditions etc. Humanitarian aid workers experience more risks and danger in countries that are having serious conflicts than those at peace. The more violent conflicts the greater number of aid worker attacks, as simple as that.

Considering the fact that humanitarian aid organizations are continuing to expand across the physical boundaries - to those areas of conflicts and insecurity, now is the time to get prepared in a better way to minimize and prevent attacks and violence against humanitarian aid workers. If you are someone who is seriously concerned about this escalating problem and want to learn more about it, then Academia.edu is the ultimate internet-based source for you.