MAA joins humanitarian organisations across Australia in calling for stronger protections for aid workers worldwide. No one should be targeted for delivering lifesaving assistance.
View the Statement on the ACFID website or read the full statement below
ACFID Statement: Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel
Sep 22, 2025 | Media Releases
As humanitarian organisations, we are united in our commitment to provide life-saving assistance for communities facing conflict, disaster and crisis. In order to operate in these contexts, our personnel must be able to operate with safety, dignity, and protection.
It has never been more dangerous to be an aid worker. 2024 was the deadliest year on record for humanitarian personnel, with more than 380 aid workers killed worldwide. Alarmingly, 2025 is on track to be even worse, with 287 aid workers having already lost their lives.
We commend the global leadership of the Australian Government and nations around the world who have endorsed the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, reaffirming commitments to respect and uphold international law, at a time when it is being defied in all corners of the globe.
International humanitarian law provides a shared framework for all States and for all parties involved in an armed conflict. The existing international legal framework is clear and comprehensive, and there is renewed hope that this Declaration will bring practical action to ensure greater respect for the protection of humanitarian personnel while putting an end to impunity for those who violate international law.
We, the undersigned, support the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel to improve the safety and security of humanitarians, reflecting existing obligations under international humanitarian law.
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact ACFID Media at  [email protected]  or call 0401 721 064.
List of Signatories
Act for Peace – NCCA
ActionAid Australia
ADRA Australia
Anglican Overseas Aid
Anglicans in Development
Australian Lutheran World Service
Australian Marist Solidarity Ltd
Australian Red Cross
BridgIT Water Foundation
CARE Australia
Caritas Australia
CBM Australia
ChildFund Australia
Cufa
Dana Asia Ltd
Educating the Future
Every Home Global Concern
Global Evergreening Alliance
Global Mission Partners
Good Return
Habitat for Humanity Australia
Home in Place
Institute for Economics and Peace
International Needs Australia
International Women’s Development Agency
Islamic Relief Australia
La Trobe University – Institute of Human Security and Social Change
Live & Learn Environmental Education
MAA International
MAF International
Mary MacKillop Today
MIT Group Foundation
MSI Asia Pacific
Oxfam Australia
PLAN International Australia
Project Rozana
RedR Australia
Refugee Council of Australia
Salesian Missions
Salvation Army International Development
Save the Children Australia
So They Can
Tearfund Australia
The Fred Hollows Foundation
The Leprosy Mission Australia
This Life
Transform Aid International (incorporating Baptist World Aid)
UNICEF Australia
Union Aid Abroad – APHEDA
UnitingWorld
WaterAid Australia
World Vision Australia