Before the press conference held in front of the United Nations Headquarters Building in Geneva, IHH organised a panel discussion at the Impact Hub Grand Salon, where the increasing risks faced by humanitarian aid workers and human rights defenders working in conflict zones, existing protection mechanisms within the framework of international law, and structural gaps observed in field applications were comprehensively addressed. The panel was moderated by İrfan Tatlı and featured speakers including Mathew Truscott, Geneva Director of the international aid organisation Oxfam; Shahd Hammouri, an academic from the University of Kent in the UK; Henriette Willberg, Research Director and Lawyer at the Justice for Palestine organisation; and Hüseyin Dişli, a lawyer from the Lawyers for the Earth Association. Following the panel, a press statement was made in front of the Palais des Nations – Broken Chair area of the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG) to call on the international community regarding the increasing human rights violations against humanitarian aid workers and human rights defenders working in conflict zones. The statement was made by Uğur Yıldırım, Member of the IHH Board of Trustees.

‘Agreements protect, but obligations are not fulfilled’

Referring to the violations experienced by humanitarian aid workers in his statement, Yıldırım said, "Today, on the occasion of Human Rights Day, we are once again reminding everyone of a fundamental principle that must never be compromised: the protection of human rights defenders and humanitarian aid workers is an indispensable and indisputable necessity. However, in many parts of the world, these individuals continue to face targeted attacks, arbitrary detentions, threats and severe restrictions on their work. Although international humanitarian law, the Geneva Conventions and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights explicitly protect them, these obligations are often violated.”

‘This year, 326 humanitarian aid workers were killed’

Referring to the workers who lost their lives during their work, Yıldırım said, "According to records, 326 humanitarian aid workers were killed this year, and 355 attacks targeting humanitarian aid personnel were reported.

Similarly, in 2024, more than 324 human rights defenders were killed in 32 countries; this situation indicates a serious global decline in human rights and international humanitarian law standards."

“Five of our colleagues lost their lives in Gaza”

Referring to the five humanitarian aid volunteers who lost their lives following the attacks by the Israeli occupation regime, Yıldırım said, “As IHH, we are one of the organisations that have personally experienced these dangers. While trying to deliver aid to those in need in crisis and conflict zones around the world, we lost five of our colleagues in Gaza as a result of Israeli attacks. Their selflessness and commitment to humanitarian values are a painful reminder of the immense risks faced by humanitarian aid workers.‘ he said.

’Our message is clear‘

Referring to what needs to be done in war and crisis zones, Yıldırım said, ’Therefore, we reiterate our call today to states, international organisations, and all parties to the conflict:

• Ensure the safety of humanitarian aid workers and human rights defenders;
• Guarantee unimpeded access to humanitarian aid;
• Put an end to impunity in the face of attacks and threats;
• Strengthen protection mechanisms at the national and international levels;
• Support local civil society actors who face the highest risks.

Our message is clear: their safety is our responsibility. Protecting those who protect others is not only a legal obligation, but also a moral imperative."

In addition, advocates Hüseyin Dişli and Henriette Willberg, speaking at the press conference, highlighted the important role played by humanitarian aid workers and human rights defenders and called for their protection.