VOICE EU

📢 New Issue Alert: VOICE out loud 38 – Upholding Humanity - The role and future of International Humanitarian Law As conflicts grow more protracted and violent, International Humanitarian Law (IHL) faces mounting challenges. Impunity for IHL violations is a stark reminder of the urgent need for political will, accountability, and collective action from decision-makers. This edition of VOICE out loud dives into the critical issues threatening IHL today while spotlighting the pathways for change. Here’s the perspectives featured in this issue: 🔹 Folkekirkens Nødhjælp (DanChurchAid) highlights the erosion of IHL compliance and the crucial role of Third States in halting violations, such as arms transfers that fuel conflict. Their call for renewed political leadership and stronger international commitments echoes across humanitarian efforts. 🔹 ACTION CONTRE LA FAIM warns that 2024 could become the deadliest year for aid workers. They call for stronger measures to safeguard frontline responders. 🔹 Terre des hommes draws attention to the alarming increase in violations against children in Palestine, urging the EU to enforce IHL compliance, hold perpetrators accountable, and halt arms exports to violators. 🔹 Oxfam International exposes the persistent IHL breaches in Yemen, including attacks on aid workers and restricted humanitarian access. They call for stronger EU-led action to ensure accountability and address the root causes of the conflict. 🔹 Diakonia International Humanitarian Law Centre and ACT ALLIANCE EU European NGO Network emphasise the role of accountability mechanisms, from the International Criminal Court (ICC) to universal jurisdiction, as essential tools to tackle impunity. 🔹 In our “A Closer Look” section, we shift to Myanmar, where conflict, economic instability, and natural disasters have compounded food insecurity. The article calls for investment in local agriculture as a sustainable solution to prevent further hunger crises. 🔹 We also had the privilege to interview former European Union Commissioner Janez Lenarčič, who reflects on the EU’s commitment to IHL through diplomatic efforts, partnerships with key organizations, and support for justice mechanisms like the ICC and ICJ. 📖 Read the full edition here 👉 https://bit.ly/VOL38 📢 Join the conversation! Share this issue, tag your networks, and let’s amplify the call for action to uphold IHL.

Climate shocks, fragile economies, and prolonged conflicts are making things worse. International humanitarian laws are being violated with impunity. Civilians and humanitarian aid workers alike are under attack. That’s why we, together with over 100 NGO and networks, are joining the call for the full and early funding of the 2025 Global Humanitarian Overview. Read the joint statement below ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/dC5NSj6V

🌍 Yesterday, we had an insightful panel discussion on "Decolonising Humanitarian Action: Shifting Power, Voices, and Resources" bringing together thought leaders and practitioners to address colonial legacies in humanitarian aid and explore transformative solutions. Here are some highlights from the conversation: 🔸 "The legacies of colonialism still shape the humanitarian sector. Shifting power means giving full agency to people in need. Decolonisation is not driven by those who provide aid but by those who receive it!" - Tammam Aloudat from The New Humanitarian emphasized the importance of dismantling structural inequalities in humanitarian action. 🔸 We need to close the gap between reality and storytelling. The pictures, the stories, the narratives have an impact also in terms of funds. Abimbola Ogundairo from Africa No Filter about the importance of telling a difference story about Africa and affected communities! 🔸 "There is no one size fits all! it is important to recognise the cultural differences of the communities! INGOs should look at the capacities that are really helpful for the communities not at the capacities that are useful for them Our foundation funds organisations to start, we invest in learning for community organisations! " - Michael Vincent Mercado of Center for Disaster Preparedness stressed the need to create funding systems that truly support community-led initiatives. 🔸 Developing principles of partnership like humility and complementarity! Changing internal organisational culture is very important to shift power to local communities! " - Alessandra De Guio of Mercy Corps shared lessons from its organisation journey to create equitable partnerships. "Nation-building is not driven by donors but by the local community. Sometimes its not enough to improve system, sometime we need to reinvent them ! Pledge for change is a mutual commitment towards building a stronger aid ecosystem based on principles of solidarity, humility, self-determination and equality " Marie-Rose Romain Murphy, MS, MBA from ESPWA, Inc- Economic Stimulus Projects for Work and Action shared insights on how her organization, worked with communities in Haiti. These discussions highlighted the urgent need to: 1️⃣ Shift decision-making power to local responders and affected communities. 2️⃣ Reform funding structures . 3️⃣ Transform narratives to showcase resilience, leadership, and the strength of local communities. A big thank you to all our speakers and participants for such a rich exchange of ideas. 💬 What are your thoughts on decolonising humanitarian aid? Share your ideas below! #DecolonisingAid #HumanitarianAction #ShiftingPower

🌍 Join us for a transformative conversation on decolonising humanitarian action! The humanitarian sector has long grappled with colonial legacies and unequal power dynamics. Increasingly, voices are calling for systemic change to shift power, amplify locally-led responses, and rethink the narratives we tell about affected communities. 📅 On 28 November 2024, 17:45-21:00 in Brussels, we’re hosting a dynamic panel discussion featuring: ✨ Panellists: Abimbola Agundairo: Advocacy & Campaigns Lead, Africa No Filter Tammam Aloudat: CEO, The New Humanitarian Alessandra De Guio: Senior Advisor, Mercy Corps Marie-Rose Romain Murphy: Founder & President, ESPWA, Pledge for Change Michael Vincent Mercado: Team Manager, Center for Disaster Preparedness ✨ Moderator: Maria Groenewald, VOICE Director ✨ Closing Remarks: Pauline Chetcuti, VOICE President 📍 Venue: Mundo Madou, Av. des Arts 7/8, Brussels, Belgium 👉 In-person only. Register by 25 November COB: https://lnkd.in/eYyM8PSe #DecolonisingAid #HumanitarianAction

Humanitarian aid entering Gaza has fallen to an all-time low. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) released an urgent alert on 8 November reporting that there is a strong likelihood that famine is already occurring in northern Gaza, and that immediate action is required within days, not weeks, to address the crisis. Humanitarian actors operating in Gaza call for: ⭕ States to take concrete actions to ensure an immediate and permanent ceasefire, including immediately halting the transfer of weapons, parts, and ammunition to parties at risk of violating international humanitarian law (IHL) ⭕ States to reject Israel’s decision to ban UNRWA ⭕ The Government of Israel to immediately cease the forced displacement of civilians in Gaza ⭕ All parties to the conflict to guarantee and facilitate safe, unhindered access for humanitarian aid ⭕ As the occupying power, Israel to uphold its obligations under IHL ⭕ Donors to collaborate to improve coordination mechanisms for Palestinian CSOs, NGOs,and women-led organizations, ensuring the safe movement of aid workers and their active participation in Cluster meetings ⭕ Donors to fully fund the humanitarian response, provide direct and quality funding to Palestinian NGOs and CSOs, and support liquidity to mitigate the collapse of the banking system, which adversely affects Palestinian partners

#COP29 is underway in Baku, Azerbaijan with the Humanitarian Hub highlighting how the climate crisis is impacting people in crisis situations—and showcasing local solutions. As stated in the VOICE Position Paper “The humanitarian NGOs’ perspective on climate resilience”, climate change and environmental degradation have become primary root causes of humanitarian crises around the world.. This is why the connection between humanitarian and climate is more relevant than ever and it is imperative that a space for humanitarians is in place so they can have their say on the devastating consequences of climate-related disasters. VOICE members are making sure the voices of humanitarian NGOs are heard. Check out their statements and events VOICE NGO https://lnkd.in/e-McUPCA

🌍 Join VOICE as a Junior Advocacy Assistant! 🌍 VOICE is looking for a Junior Advocacy Assistant to join our Brussels-based team starting in January 2025! In this role, you’ll work closely with our Humanitarian Partnership Watch Group and Resilience-Nexus Working Group, assisting with research, drafting advocacy messages, monitoring political developments, and helping to organise events and outreach activities. This is a fantastic opportunity for those with a strong interest in #humanitarian issues to gain hands-on experience and make a meaningful impact within a dynamic NGO network. 📅 Deadline to apply: Friday, 22 November COB ⬇️For more information on the vacancy and how to apply⬇️

🌍 Join VOICE as a Junior Advocacy Assistant! 🌍 VOICE is looking for a Junior Advocacy Assistant to join our Brussels-based team starting in January 2025! In this role, you’ll work closely with our Humanitarian Partnership Watch Group and Resilience-Nexus Working Group, assisting with research, drafting advocacy messages, monitoring political developments, and helping to organise events and outreach activities. This is a fantastic opportunity for those with a strong interest in #humanitarian issues to gain hands-on experience and make a meaningful impact within a dynamic NGO network. 📅 Deadline to apply: Friday, 22 November COB ⬇️For more information on the vacancy and how to apply⬇️

🧵 Last month, we welcomed the new MEPs at the #MeetAndSip event together with CONCORD and the European Peacebuilding Liaison Office (EPLO) to share our important messages on the important role of civil society organisations! Do you want a recap of the key messages we shared?  Read below: 🌍 The #EU needs to stand firm in its commitment to the #2030Agenda to reduce global inequality and create a more equitable world for all.   🤝 Civil society is a key partner. The EU must recognise the CSOs role in defending civic space and democracy while ensuring sufficient CSO funding  🌱 Policy coherence for sustainable development is essential. All our decisions must align with our broader goals of sustainability and fairness.  ✌️ Long-term support for sustainable #peace efforts is crucial, with the EU backing these with financial commitments to ensure lasting impact.  🛡️ The EU must integrate human security and #conflictsensitivity into all external actions, ensuring all engagements are conflict-aware.  🚨 the EU must expand the space for principled humanitarian action, ensuring responses are needs-based and shielded from political or economic influences.  💰 The growing #humanitarian funding gap is a challenge. We need funding that matches real needs, free from politically motivated reallocation.  🌍🌿 The rise in conflicts and climate-related disasters demands a multisectoral, prevention-oriented, and nexus approach to tackle root causes.

We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the six humanitarian workers tragically killed in Gaza. Killing humanitarian workers is unacceptable. They are #NotATarget!