protect
humanitarians
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Who we are
Protect Humanitarians is a global initiative which advocates for better protection of humanitarian aid workers. Through a dedicated emergency fund, we provide concrete support to NGOs and their staff, survivors of attacks and/or their families. We also develop inter-organisational research and learning to promote best practices in mental health and legal assistance to humanitarian survivors after incidents.
Protect Humanitarians is a neutral and independent organisation, established in 2024 with the support of the King Baudouin Foundation.
‘‘Intentionally directing attacks against personnel, installations, material, units or vehicles involved in a humanitarian assistance or peacekeeping mission in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations […] is a war crime’’
(Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, Article 8, paragraph 2 (b), (iii) and Article 8, paragraph 2, (e), (iii))
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What we do
Protect Humanitarians advocates for better protection of humanitarian workers and provides concrete support through:
Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS)
We want all humanitarian workers, everywhere, to receive the care they deserve.
- Humanitarian Trauma Centre: We provide psychological treatment to humanitarian affected by traumatic experiences, including arbitrary detention, hostage-taking and torture.
- Supporting local expertise: We strengthen the capacity of local psychologists through clinical supervision, peer exchange and shared learning, supporting locally grounded responses to complex trauma.
- Community of Practice: Launched in 2025, our Community of Practice brings together MHPSS professionals, researchers and humanitarians with lived experience to promote equitable standards, share evidence and develop practical approaches to staff care across the humanitarian sector, centring the needs and expertise of national and local staff.
Global Humanitarian Survivor Network
We established a confidential, survivor-led space for humanitarians that have survived violence and families of those harmed while in service. Bringing together members from Palestine, Ukraine, Sudan, DRC, Yemen, Tunisia and beyond, our Network continues to grow. The Network exists so that lived experience can shape advocacy, policy and efforts to strengthen protection across the sector.
Advocacy & Humanitarian Diplomacy for Detained Humanitarians
Our work takes place both publicly and behind closed doors, always guided by the wishes and needs of those directly affected. We combine advocacy, humanitarian diplomacy, and targeted public campaigns, engaging with policymakers, governments, institutions, humanitarian organisations and the wider public to mobilise support and contribute to collective efforts to secure the freedom of detained humanitarian workers.
Collaborative Research & Learning
We established the Academic Chair on the protection of humanitarian workers – hosted by the University of Liège – where we connect more than 20 academic partners across countries, to turn research into practical recommendations and guidance that strengthen the protection and support for humanitarian workers.
Legal Support
We help humanitarians and their families access legal support, by connecting them with specialised organisations and by covering legal fees when needed. This support helps them understand their rights, explore available legal options and seek accountability for the harm they have suffered.
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Agenda
Emergency support
After a critical incident, having access to rapid and adequate support can significantly help survivors and/or their families in their process of healing.
Protect Humanitarians
can support with immediate medical or psychological aid, specialist legal advice and urgent material assistance.
Can we take on your case?
Contact us:
Applications for emergency support are evaluated on a case by case basis and considering criteria such as situation and needs.
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Take action
Every day, hundreds of humanitarians face threats, attacks and kidnapping – just because they deliver life saving assistance to populations in need. Help us better protect our humanity through helping the humanitarian community.
Partner with us
Every day, hundreds of humanitarians face threats, attacks and kidnapping – just because they deliver life saving assistance to populations in need. Help us better protect our humanity through helping the humanitarian community.
Write to us:
Fundraise
Are you planning to run a marathon and interested to fundraise for our cause? Can you help us increase our visibility? We are open for initiatives to support our critical work.
Share your ideas:
Volunteer
We welcome experts who wish to get involved in the project. If you have relevant skills, email us a brief cover letter, CV and availability.
Send informations:
Donate
Become an active supporter of humanitarian workers around the world by making a donation to Protect Humanitarians today.
You can donate by clicking the button below, or make a direct bank transfer using the details below:
IBAN: BE25 7380 4579 9782
BIC: KREDBEBB
Name: Protect Humanitarians ASBL
With the support of :
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