This report is the result of the two-day workshop on “Strengthening Staff Care, Mental Health, and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) for Humanitarian Personnel”, organised by Protect Humanitarians at the King Baudouin Foundation in Brussels, Belgium.

Over two days, participants engaged in meaningful discussions on barriers and gaps, best practices, and priorities for improving staff care, mental health and psychosocial support for humanitarian personnel with specific focus to local frontline workers.

In the the report you will find key insights from the various sessions, including:

• Testimonies from frontline local humanitarian actors;
• Best practices, barriers, and gaps in staff care and MHPSS for humanitarians;
• Academic research and advocacy for staff care and mental health support;
• Priority actions to be taken forward by Protect Humanitarians.

Full report is available HERE, click and download.

“We must confront this painful truth: local humanitarian workers, who make up the vast majority of those delivering aid, are the least protected and the most at risk. If we are to stand in true solidarity with all humanitarians, we must elevate the stories of local humanitarian workers. This is not only about protection, it is about dignity, justice and equity.”

Samah Jabr, Head of Mental Health Unit, Palestinian Ministry of Health – Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist – Assistant Clinical Professor, George Washington University

“This disparity [between local and international staff] urgently needs to be addressed- everyone should be treated on the same level. It is crucial to have open conversations about these issues. We need to rethink how we work and how we engage with people, without pretending to be saviours.”

Achille Bapolisi , Psychiatrist, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, General Hospital of Bukavu, DR Congo.