Today on World Humanitarian Day, the Australian Council for International Development, Australian Global Health Alliance, UNICEF Australia, PEN Sydney, the Jewish Council of Australia & Amnesty International are holding a vigil on the lawns of Australian Parliament House to pay tribute to humanitarian workers who have lost their lives in 2023 and 2024.
Since the start of 2023, more than 450 workers have been killed. Last year was the deadliest on record for humanitarian workers, and 2024 is on track to be even worse. It is time for those in power to end widespread impunity and #ActForHumanity.
Each worker will be represented by a black and white sign pegged to the lawn outside Parliament House, reading: "World leaders, don't look away. Act for humanity" in line with the United Nations theme.
Today, we come together to honour the frontline workers who have lost their lives in humanitarian crises, representing their colleagues within our own society here in Australia.
Separately, more than 60 prominent Australians have signed an open letter from Safer World for All campaign warning the safeguards designed to protect humanitarian workers are breaking down.
It calls on the federal government to uphold its obligations under the Geneva Conventions and hold countries accountable for breaches of international humanitarian law.
Signatories include Australian children's author Mem Fox, former Labor international development minister Melissa Parke, former Labor senator Claire Moore, former United Nations Commissioner for Refugees Erika Feller, former Australian Council of Trade Unions President Sharan Burrow AC, and Assistant National Secretary, Australian Services Union Emeline Gaske.
Quotes attributable to Australian Council for International Development CEO Marc Purcell:
"Over 450 humanitarians have lost their lives delivering lifesaving assistance to people in desperate need. Today, we honour them. Our commitment is to the humanitarian principles that guide us in our work: Humanity, neutrality, independence and impartiality.
"When humanitarians are targeted by combatants, or caught in indiscriminate lines of fire, it causes further harm to the civilians they intend to assist. Humanitarians have continued to put their own lives on the line across the last 18 months despite the deadly trends."
"Often, humanitarian workers are watching their own families and communities suffer in crises too. They are the local heroes. They should be able to expect protection from governments and armed actors".
Quotes attributable to Safer World for All campaign spokesperson, Tim Costello:
"We have seen an unprecedented loss of frontline workers in crises across our globe in 2023 and 2024. These are people who must be protected and are crucial in creating a safer world for all civilians.
"The world is at a tipping point, with crisis after crisis affecting civilians everywhere, and frontline workers are critical to response more than ever. Today, we must remember all those who have lost their lives providing lifesaving assistance and reaffirm our commitment to ensure that their colleagues are protected each and every day."
Quotes attributable to Australian Global Health Alliance Executive Director, Dr Selina Namchee Lo:
"In 2023, fatal attacks on healthcare workers doubled globally, with the greatest number of these lives lost in the conflict zones of Myanmar, Palestinian Territories including Gaza, Sudan and Ukraine.
"This year, we continue to see an unimaginable number of targeted attacks on these workers, ambulance convoys, hospitals and other health services, and on the many innocent people that they serve. It is difficult to comprehend what future costs will be from denying aid now through targeting those giving it.
"Today we recognize the commitment of humanitarian workers globally who sacrifice their time and lives to serve others in the most difficult of settings and circumstances. We honour all those who have lost their lives and reaffirm our commitment as a global health community to fight for their safety and protection, and their right to access areas needing their critical assistance.
"Humanitarian personnel and the provision of medical care should never be the target of attacks and their protection is enshrined under the Geneva Conventions. We call on the Australian Government and the global community to uphold these laws, and call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in these conflict zones, and the restoration of health and humanitarian aid access."
Quotes attributable to UNICEF Australia Chief Executive, Tony Stuart:
"The frequency and severity of global emergencies and armed conflicts is making the work of the humanitarian aid network more important than it has ever been, particularly when it comes to protecting vulnerable children and their families. "Recently, one of our own workers responding in the Gaza-Israel conflict, was travelling in an aid convoy that was forced to turn back after it was hit by bullets at a checkpoint. Gaza is one of most dangerous places on earth right now, but throughout these emergencies, brave aid workers – many of them Australian – maintain a relentless commitment to protecting and saving lives, delivering life-saving resources like food, water, shelter and sanitation, necessary for survival. "Today is a day to pause and recognise the incredible significance of what aid workers do; the sacrifices they make and their unwavering commitment to the communities they stand shoulder to shoulder with, no matter who, no matter where and no matter what."
Quotes attributable to PEN Sydney representative, Mark Isaacs:
"In 2023 and 2024, there has been an alarming increase in the number of journalists and media workers killed or imprisoned globally. The International Federation of Journalists reported 129 killings of media professionals in 2023, the deadliest on record since 1990.
"The Committee to Protect Journalists documented 320 journalists were behind bars in 2023, the second-highest number since 1992. These make 2023 one of the most dangerous years on record
