GISF’s Executive Director, Jon Novakovic, emphasised the limits of what NGO security professionals can achieve when confronted with non-compliance of International Humanitarian Law.
In light of the record-breaking number of aid worker deaths in 2024, the International Bar Association has published a new article on non-compliance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL). The article was partially informed by an interview with GISF’s Executive Director, Jon Novakovic, who is quoted throughout.
The International Bar Association is one of the world’s leading organisations for the legal profession. Established in 1947, it aims to protect and advance the rule of law globally.
In this latest article, author Isabelle Walker explores how 2024’s record-breaking figures for aid worker deaths were driven by non-compliance with IHL. As Novakovic explains, NGOs have traditionally relied on compliance with IHL to protect their aid workers. But in 2024 this became a less reliable protection mechanism.
Novakovic also outlined the importance other risk mitigation methods. These include security training for aid workers. But this strategy cannot eliminate all risks. “There’s a limit to what an NGO can mitigate, and it’s very hard to mitigate an airstrike”, Novakovic said.
The article also draws on insights from other experts in the sector. These include Linda Isabel Ngesa, a legal adviser with the International Committee of the Red Cross in London, and Nathalie Weizmann, Senior Legal Officer with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
You can read the full article on the International Bar Association website here.
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