1Introduction
Our inquiry
1.This short report is based on two oral evidence sessions aimed at exploring the dangers faced by humanitarian workers in conflict-affected settings and the UK Government’s policies and actions in this area.1 We heard from representatives of the international aid community (the United Nations and Red Cross)—including one witness with direct experience of abduction; specialist risk management organisations; and the Department for International Development (DFID).2 Having decided to produce this interim report, we also drew on: evidence taken in other inquiries (for example, on tackling Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo3 and humanitarian crises in Gaza,4 Syria,5 Yemen,6 South Sudan7 and Venezuela8); a review of the available literature; and consultation with experts and academics in the humanitarian security and risk management field.
2.The areas explored in evidence covered:
- the scale of the threats and challenges that humanitarian workers face in fragile and conflict-affected states;
- the impact of threats of violence on the delivery of humanitarian assistance;
- the management of safety and security risks in hostile and insecure settings;
- the role the UK government plays in supporting aid worker safety and security; and
- the protections afforded by international humanitarian law in theory and in practice.
3.Our report, and its conclusions and recommendations, should be considered as interim. Once we have received the Government’s reply—and any other feedback invited—we will consider what further evidence-gathering and other steps are merited.
1 Definitions of ‘humanitarian’ work and workers are not straightforward and are discussed in Chapter 2.
2 Vincent Cochetel, Special Envoy for the Central Mediterranean Situation, UNHCR; Sir Stephen O’Brien, former UN Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs; Mark Brailsford, International Committee of the Red Cross (3 April 2019); Lisa Reilly & Fredrik Palsson, European Interagency Security Forum; Dr Andrew Murrison MP, Minister of State for International Development & Matthew Wyatt, Deputy Director and Head of Conflict, Humanitarian and Security Department, DFID (25 June 2019)
Published: 6 August 2019