Protect Aid Workers is a new mechanism, supported by GISF, that provides financial assistance to humanitarian workers in need
Every day, thousands of aid workers risk their lives to help people in conflict and disaster zones. But who is there to help them?
This year, a new mechanism – Protect Aid Workers – was launched to address this gap, thanks to funding from the Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO). It was established by the Global Interagency Security Forum (GISF), Legal Action Worldwide (LAW), and other partners.
Protect Aid Workers provides financial assistance and legal aid where possible to humanitarian workers facing security incidents or immediate threats arising from their work. These include cases of violence, kidnapping, arrests, and more.
Grants of up to €10,000 are available for each eligible case. All funds are channelled through trusted organisations, rather than individuals. This ensures that all cases can be validated rapidly.
Protect Aid Workers has been open since February 2024, distributing 25 grants worth over €240,000 so far. But now, the mechanism will be available to a much wider range of aid workers in need, thanks to the launch of the Protect Aid Workers website.
“Previously, we were heavily reliant on word-of-mouth and referrals to build awareness of Protect Aid Workers,” said David Annequin, the mechanism’s Programme Coordinator. “But now, with our new website, we hope many more organisations and aid workers will be able to learn about the mechanism and take advantage of the critical support on offer. With all the information now easily accessible online, we are in a much better position to reach and assist all aid workers in need.
“The launch of our website also coincides with an expansion in our geographical reach,” Annequin added. “During the initial months of our launch, we were restricted to supporting aid workers in the Middle East and North Africa only. But now, we are pleased to be able to support applications from additional regions, such as Eastern Europe and Southwest Asia.”
The Protect Aid Workers website provides details of all the eligibility criteria. It also has an easy form to apply online. Application details are available in English and French. However, even if you are unsure of your eligibility, the Protect Aid Workers team encourage you to apply or to reach out at hotline@protectaidworkers.org.
“The Global Interagency Security Forum (GISF) is proud to support the Protect Aid Workers mechanism,” said Heather Hughes, GISF’s Head of Global Membership and NGO Services. “We strongly encourage everyone in the GISF network to spread the word about this initiative. So far in 2024, there have been 32 aid workers kidnapped, 71 arrested, and 118 killed. We may not be able to prevent all of these incidents. But by making aid workers, their families, and their organisations aware of the support available, we can provide vital assistance for those affected.”
In addition to the website and email, you can also contact the Protect Aid Workers team by telephone on +33 7 77 98 71 69 (Monday to Friday – 9am-6pm CET). If you have any questions about the mechanism for the GISF team, please contact Heather Hughes at heather@gisf.ngo.
Press enquiries should be directed to Christian Kriticos at christian@gisf.ngo.