The need to protect humanitarian workers in conflict zones

Editor's note: Mariam Shah, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is an Islamabad-based independent researcher in the field of conflict studies and military psychology. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

In humanitarian crises and armed conflicts, humanity is mainly overshadowed by relentless and indiscriminate violence. Even at these times, humanitarian workers are dedicated to alleviating the suffering of the masses, standing as a beacon of hope. Yet, they increasingly find themselves in the crosshairs of targeted attacks.

In one of the most devastating attacks on humanitarian workers in recent times, a convoy of the World Central Kitchen (WCK) team, carrying not weapons but food, fell victim to an indiscriminate strike by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in Gaza. The three-vehicle convoy, was targeted as it left a warehouse in Deir al-Balah, where the team had unloaded more than 100 tons of humanitarian food aid brought to Gaza via the maritime route. Despite operating in a deconflicted zone and coordinating with the IDF, the convoy was struck, resulting in the tragic deaths of individuals hailing from Australia, Poland, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Palestine. 

This is not just an attack on humanitarian workers and World Central Kitchen; it is an assault on the very essence of humanity. Moreover, this targeted violence highlights a disturbing reality: Humanitarian workers are increasingly becoming targets of aggression in conflict zones, especially in Gaza. As per the U.S.-funded Aid Worker Security Database, more than 196 aid workers have been killed in Gaza since last October.

Rights of humanitarian workers under international law

Humanitarian workers have been given special protections precisely because of their crucial role in mitigating the impact of conflicts and disasters on civilian populations. These protections are enshrined in various conventions and protocols, prohibiting attacks on individuals engaged in humanitarian activities.

As per the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, under Article 8(2)(b)(iii), it is a war crime to "intentionally direct attacks against personnel, installations, material, units, or vehicles involved in a humanitarian assistance or peacekeeping mission by the Charter of the United Nations, as long as they are entitled to the protection given to civilians or civilian objects under the international law of armed conflict."

The protection of humanitarian and relief personnel has become a mandatory rule of customary law, binding on all parties to international and non-international armed conflicts. Rule 31 of the customary international humanitarian law says, "humanitarian relief personnel must be respected and protected." The safety and security of humanitarian relief personnel are essential for delivering aid to civilian populations threatened with starvation. The Fourth Geneva Convention, signed in 1949, includes multiple provisions regarding the protection of civilians. Article 18 holistically covers the protection of civilian hospitals.

Why must humanitarian workers be protected in conflict zones?

The essence of humanitarian efforts is grounded in four fundamental principles: Humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence. These principles, enshrined in international humanitarian law, have garnered global recognition and adoption and are endorsed by two UN General Assembly resolutions.

So, first and foremost, the recent attacks on humanitarian workers represent a brazen attack on the principles of neutrality and impartiality that are essential for effective humanitarian action. Humanitarian organizations operate based on the principles of impartiality, assisting solely based on need, without discrimination or favoritism. Targeting humanitarian workers undermines this principle, as it seeks to politicize aid and obstruct the delivery of assistance to those in need solely based on their nationality, ethnicity, or affiliations.

It is essential to understand that upholding the sanctity of humanitarian action and protecting those involved is not just a moral imperative but a legal obligation under international law.

Such attacks create an alarming effect, deterring humanitarian organizations from operating in areas where their presence is desperately needed, thus exacerbating humanitarian crises. Result? Most humanitarian organizations or workers suspend their operations in the region, and the future of their missions is uncertain. As the World Central Kitchen announced, "WCK is pausing our operations immediately in the region. We will be making decisions about the future of our work soon."

According to a recent report, Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, stated that there are clear signs indicating Israel's violation of three out of the five acts outlined in the UN Genocide Convention. She expressed the view that there are "reasonable grounds" to suspect Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. Furthermore, the situation has entered a critical phase, as those trying to assist the starving population are attacked.

The international community must condemn and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions through robust mechanisms for investigating and prosecuting such crimes and diplomatic efforts to ensure compliance with international humanitarian law. By protecting humanitarian workers, we ensure the preservation of essential aid delivery mechanisms and uphold the principles upon which humanitarianism is founded. 

Humanitarian workers are undoubtedly the unsung heroes, whose dedication and sacrifice represent the best of our shared humanity. Our collective responsibility is to protect and support them at all times so that they can continue with their noble mission.

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