Canada has officially endorsed the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, an initiative led by Australia, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding those delivering life-saving aid in conflict zones. Humanitarian workers are increasingly targeted during armed conflicts, placing their lives at risk and affecting the delivery of essential assistance. In 2024 alone, 383 humanitarian workers were killed across 27 countries, marking the highest recorded toll to date.
By endorsing the declaration, Canada commits to strengthening respect for international humanitarian law (IHL), condemning violations, supporting protection and coordination mechanisms, and promoting accountability and justice. The country will also contribute $400,000 over two years to support the Aid Worker Security Database (AWSD), operated by Humanitarian Outcomes, which tracks and analyzes major incidents of violence against aid personnel to enhance their safety.
Canada emphasizes that protecting humanitarian workers is a global priority, and this endorsement reflects its dedication to upholding IHL and encouraging all states to respect the protections afforded to humanitarian personnel worldwide.
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