London, United Kingdom – 5 August 2025
The Global Interagency Security Forum (GISF) has launched a new project to support the capacity of NGO security risk management practices (SRM), generously funded by the European Union through its Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), and with the support from Action contre la Faim.
2024 marked the deadliest year for aid workers on record, with at least 377 killed and another 242 wounded.1 These figures, which are likely underreported, underscore the pressing need to invest in more robust and context-appropriate security practices across the humanitarian sector.
The initiative will support NGO-led efforts to improve SRM, with a focus on:
- Strengthening the internal SRM capabilities of NGOs
- Enhancing the ability of NGO coordination mechanisms to promote operational safety
- Increasing access to specialised SRM resources that enhance capacity and reduce financial burden
- Improving the ability of NGOs to adapt their SRM approaches in line with changes in the aid sector
“DG ECHO’s commitment to long-term, scalable improvements to aid worker safety makes them an excellent partner for GISF and our 137 NGO members”, said Jon Novakovic, GISF’s Executive Director. “This funding comes at a critical moment to support NGOs delivering aid where it’s needed most.”
For more information on what we do: https://gisf.ngo/what-we-do/
GISF is the global membership network of over 130 NGOs, focussed on strengthening the safety and security of aid workers worldwide.