Protect Humanitarians has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with the Alliance of Ukrainian Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), marking a key step toward strengthening the protection and support of frontline humanitarian workers in Ukraine.

Grounded in equality and mutual respect, this partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing Duty of Care for humanitarian personnel in Ukraine and beyond. Aligned with the humanitarian sector’s localization agenda, it emphasizes the vital role of local actors and promotes the reciprocal exchange of knowledge and best practices to establish more effective, inclusive, and sustainable protection standards for those serving on the front lines. The MoC was officially signed during the “Empowering Localisation in Ukraine for Long-Term Resilience” event at the European Parliament in Brussels.

This partnership comes at a critical time. Between 2023 and 2024, Ukraine witnessed a 28.5% increase in humanitarian victims, including a 38.8% rise in fatalities among Ukrainian aid workers. In 2023, 28 humanitarian workers were affected by violence, with six killed and 22 injured. The toll worsened in 2024, with 36 targeted—13 killed and 23 wounded—according to data from the Aid Worker Security Database (AWSD).

Through this collaboration, Protect Humanitarians and Alliance UA CSO commit to:

• Enhancing Duty of Care mechanisms for national NGOs, CSOs, and frontline Ukrainian humanitarian workers;
• Mobilizing greater expertise, resources and support in response to rising risks;
• Strengthening advocacy efforts at both national and international levels to promote the protection of humanitarian personnel and uphold International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

The scope of the partnership includes the following areas of cooperation:

1. Sharing best practices and expertise in the protection and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) for humanitarian workers;
2. Providing expert support for the development of Ukraine’s Duty of Care framework;
3. Conducting awareness campaigns to promote the importance of Duty of Care in Ukraine and globally, with a special emphasis on MHPSS;
4. Jointly formulating policy and strategic recommendations to enhance the protection of humanitarian personnel;
5. Organizing educational initiatives, including trainings and seminars on Duty of Care and protection of humanitarian personnel;
6. Engaging in joint advocacy, including the collection and amplification of frontline testimonies from Ukrainian CSO and NGO workers delivering aid.

This Memorandum represents a timely and meaningful step toward safeguarding those who serve in some of the most dangerous conditions, ensuring their mental health, safety, and legal protection are recognized and prioritized.

“We are all humanitarians – Ukrainian and international – united by dignity. This Memorandum provides a crucial opportunity to exchange knowledge and experiences, fostering mutual growth and cooperation.”

 Mila Leonova, Director of Alliance UA CSO.

“Employees of humanitarian missions and volunteers working in Ukraine require substantial psychological support, as well as mental rehabilitation after their time in areas of active hostilities.”

 Vladyslava Zomarieva, Deputy Head of Organization at Ukrainian NGO PROLISKA.

“Ukraine is one of the critical contexts where humanitarians need enhanced protection, care, and support. We must step up and expand access to protection mechanisms, including adequate insurance coverage and mental health support services.”

Olivier Vandecasteele, Founder and Director of Protect Humanitarians.