As a proud partner of ACFID, Islamic Relief Australia stands united to ensure the safety and dignity of humanitarian workers worldwide.

As humanitarian organisations, we are united in our commitment to provide life-saving assistance for communities facing conflict, disaster, and crisis. In order to operate in these contexts, our personnel must be able to operate with safety, dignity, and protection.

It has never been more dangerous to be an aid worker. 2024 was the deadliest year on record for humanitarian personnel, with more than 380 aid workers killed worldwide. Alarmingly, 2025 is on track to be even worse, with 267 aid workers having already lost their lives.

We commend the global leadership of the Australian Government and nations around the world who have endorsed the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, reaffirming commitments to respect and uphold international law, at a time when it is being defied in all corners of the globe.

International humanitarian law provides a shared framework which applies to all parties involved in an armed conflict. The existing international legal framework is clear and comprehensive, and there is renewed hope that this Declaration will bring practical action to ensure greater respect for the protection of humanitarian personnel while putting an end to impunity for those who violate international law.

We, the undersigned, support the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel to improve the safety and security of humanitarians, reflecting existing obligations under international humanitarian law.