On 15 and 16 October 2026, the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union and the European Commission jointly hosted the first International Conference on the Protection of Humanitarian Aid Workers. The Protect Aid Workers (PAW) initiative and the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies were both partners of the event.
GISF at the conference
Alongside our attendance as a PAW partner (with Legal Action Worldwide and Protect Humanitarians), our Executive Director Jon Novakovic joined a panel exploring how the changing nature of warfare is reshaping the threats faced by humanitarian organisations, and what needs to change to ensure they can continue to operate safely. The discussion brought together perspectives from frontline humanitarian responders, international coordination bodies, and the diplomatic sphere. The priorities raised included improving the protection of frontline workers, improved civil-military coordination, and turning political commitments into action.
Jon emphasised that collaboration, shared services, and shared infrastructure offer practical and cost-effective ways to strengthen the sector’s ability to respond to evolving threats. At GISF, we are working with partners to advance collective solutions, including more equitable risk sharing, shared security services, and coordinated approaches to new risks.
“The nature of the threats, the funding pressures, and the speed of change mean we have to be more collaborative. No NGO can manage these threats on its own.” – Jon Novakovic, Executive Director, GISF
Key themes from across the conference
We must work to strengthen respect for international humanitarian law.
“Better risk management can never substitute respect for international humanitarian law.” – Leire Pajín, Standing Rapporteur on Humanitarian Aid, MEP
Across the conference, we heard repeated calls for the enforcement of international humanitarian law. Those who breach IHL with impunity must be held to account by the international community.
Local and national humanitarian workers must be at the centre of decision making.
“Last year, 99% or the humanitarians killed were local actors. What worries me the most, is that this has become normal.” – Jagan Chapagain, Secretary General and CEO, IFRC
Local and national actors face the greatest risks but often have the fewest resources to help manage them. Throughout the conference, we heard from local aid workers from countries including DRC, Nigeria, and South Sudan, to better understand their perspectives.
The humanitarian sector must adapt to operate within an evolving risk landscape
The security environment for aid workers is becoming more complex and less predictable. Developments in technology, including AI powered disinformation and drone threats, are reshaping the security risks faced by those delivering assistance. To continue to operate safely and sustainably, agencies must adapt through improved analysis, information sharing, and investment in security risk management.
Contributions from GISF members and partners
Frances Andrews, Director of Security Operations, World Vision, chaired a session on the evolving protection challenges faced by humanitarian workers across Eastern Africa. Neil Elliot, Global Head of Security, Oxfam International, was a panellist for a discussion on managing the first 72 hours of a critical incident. Christina Wille, Director, Insecurity Insight, spoke at a session on the growing pattern of attacks against humanitarian health workers and medical infrastructure, and how to better protect them.
We also heard from partner organisations INSO and Humanitarian Outcomes during a panel discussion on leveraging data and evidence to strengthen the protection of humanitarian workers. Thrive Worldwide, a GISF commercial partner, also contributed to a discussion on comprehensive and effective duty of care.
Useful links:
Website for the International Conference on the Protection of Humanitarian Aid Workers