The Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel has secured the support of 130 countries, representing more than two-thirds of United Nations member states, one year after its launch.
Australia developed the declaration with Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Sierra Leone, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. It calls for safer humanitarian access, stronger accountability and practical measures to protect people delivering lifesaving assistance in conflict zones.
The Australian government has announced a further $10 million for protection and accountability measures. Planned work with the UN Department of Safety and Security, the International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent and other organisations includes security analysis, training, evidence collection and legal and financial help for victims and their families.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said more than 1,000 humanitarian workers had been killed during the past three years. Australia has linked its leadership on the declaration to the memory of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom, who was killed in Gaza in 2024.
The declaration is a political commitment rather than a new treaty. Its impact will depend on governments and armed actors translating the commitments into safer operating conditions, compliance with international humanitarian law and credible accountability.
Sources: Australian Foreign Minister media release; Remarks to the inaugural meeting of signatories.
Image disclosure: The featured image is an AI-generated symbolic editorial illustration. The people and location shown are fictional and do not depict a specific aid mission.
