InterAction’s Post

On this #worldhumanitarianday it is crucial to confront the normalization of attacks on humanitarians, and impunity under International Humanitarian Law. Tragically, in 2023 more aid workers died by violence than in any other year on record and 2024 is on track to see even higher numbers of aid worker fatalities than last year, with 173 recorded fatalities to date – an alarming upward trend that shows no signs of stopping. While attacks on aid workers have increased, so, too, has the need for humanitarian assistance. It is crazy to think that we need such a campaign to remind world leaders of their moral and legal obligations to protect aid workers. #ActforHumanity #WHD2024 #notatarget

🔴Detention of Aid Workers and Alleged “Spy Network” Bust Indicate Houthis Crackdown on Civil Society We are deeply concerned by the recent #arbitrary detention of dozens of Yemeni employees from United Nations agencies, international, and Yemeni non-governmental organizations (NGOs) by the Houthi de facto authorities. These detentions, described as unprecedented on a global scale, signal a troubling crackdown on #humanitarian and #civilsociety work in #Yemen. On June 10th, Houthi authorities announced the bust of an alleged “American-Israeli spy network,” comprising mostly former employees of the US embassy in Yemen, international NGOs, and United Nations agencies, detained between 2021 and 2023. The “confession” videos released by Houthi-affiliated #media appear coerced, containing implausible claims and fitting a pattern of using trumped-up charges to punish perceived opponents. #Justice4Yemen pact coalition, along with Yemeni civil society condemns these actions and urges the international community to respond decisively to support the rights and freedoms of humanitarian workers in Yemen. This situation underscores the urgent need for robust #advocacy campaigns and legal support for the #detainees and their families. It is crucial for the UN agencies and international NGOs involved to communicate clearly and regularly with the families of the detainees and take all available measures to secure their release. Read the full report for detailed insights and recommendations: https://lnkd.in/e5zRTRSx #HumanRights #Justice4Yemen #HumanitarianAid #CivilSociety #Justice4Yemen

🌍 2024: A Devastating Year for Humanitarian Workers 2024 has become the deadliest year on record for humanitarian workers. These courageous heroes are committed to saving lives and restoring hope. Yet, their unwavering humanity is increasingly being met with violence: bullets, bombs, and disregard for international humanitarian law. They are not just numbers. Behind each number lies a story of courage, sacrifice, and a belief in a better world. They are people who left families behind to respond to emergencies, and believed that no one should be left behind. This tragic milestone must not only move us but compel action: 
🛑 Demand accountability for attacks on humanitarian workers.
⚖️ Uphold international humanitarian law, ensuring that aid workers can operate safely.
🤝 Continue to support and protect humanitarian missions and the safety of those who serve on the ground. #HumanitarianWork #SafetyAndSecurity #StandForHumanity #IHL #Safeguarding #HeroesOnGround

Humanitarian parole is a discretionary measure used by the U.S. government to allow individuals who are otherwise inadmissible to enter the United States for a temporary period due to compelling humanitarian reasons. This may include urgent medical needs, family emergencies, or other similar circumstances. Uniting for Ukraine is a specific humanitarian parole program created in 2022 by the U.S. government to provide relief for individuals affected by the war in Ukraine. The program allowed sponsors to apply for eligible Ukrainian citizens to come to the United States temporarily. Aside from Uniting for Ukraine, there are other humanitarian parole programs currently available in the United States, including for victims of trafficking and for individuals who are at risk of harm due to environmental disasters or political unrest in their home countries.   It is important to note that humanitarian parole is a discretionary measure, and individuals who are granted humanitarian parole are only allowed to stay in the U.S. for a temporary period and are not guaranteed any legal status or path to permanent residency. To ascertain the eligibility of your loved one for humanitarian parole, please reach out to us at Catala Immigration PLLC , (425)633-2343 for Consultation.

The Secretary-General’s report on GCM implementation introduces concrete proposals to prevent migrants from dying or going missing, enhance search and identification efforts, support affected families, provide justice, accountability and redress, collect data on migrant deaths and disappearances and share migration forecasting data to optimize humanitarian assistance. Action is needed now to save lives. Find the recommendations here: https://bit.ly/SGREC24

Despite being protected under international humanitarian law, this year is projected to be the deadliest on record for humanitarian workers in conflict zones across the globe, disproportionately affecting local humanitarian responders such as National Red Cross and Red Crescent Society staff and volunteers. Want to learn more about the fundamental principles, protections and prohibitions in IHL that are relevant to humanitarian workers? Check out this new publication by Australian Red Cross designed to support Australia’s humanitarian workforce deploying into conflict zones. This is just one example of our ongoing work to promote understanding and respect for IHL here and abroad. https://lnkd.in/gAnDgx7E

A useful summary from The New Humanitarian on some of the (very) big challenges and trends in the aid sector for the year ahead. Given that 2024 sadly saw a record 320 aid workers killed, its good to see calls for the sector to focus more on its duty of care to its staff and volunteers (and in particular to local staff) https://lnkd.in/d8M6RMf2

Did you hear about the recent Fox News regarding the investigation into UNRWA aid workers stealing and selling aid? What are your thoughts on this discovery? Share your opinions and let's discuss. #UNRWA #AidWorkers #FoxNewsInvestigation

💥📄 Exciting news! Our latest research report on justice and accountability for attacks against aid workers is out! 📊 The questions we tried to answer? ✅ What prevents aid workers, particularly national staff, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from seeking #justice and holding perpetrators of violence accountable?  ✅ What can be done to support aid workers to address these barriers and access justice and #accountability? With the support of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, since 2022, LAW supports #humanitarian organisations and aid workers in obtaining justice and accountability for violence committed against them. On 20 May 2024, LAW launched its groundbreaking report Justice and accountability for attacks on aid workers: What are the barriers and how to overcome them? LAW used a mixed-method approach, relying mainly on qualitative approaches to gather primary and secondary data from a variety of sources. Having a passive role in the fight against impunity for crimes committed against humanitarian personnel is no longer an option as the number of attacks on aid workers escalates year by year. 💡 Read the full report here to find out what the recommendations from the participants of this research are: https://bit.ly/4buwmvw 🔔 LAW also provides free legal assistance to humanitarian aid workers in East Africa, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Central African Republic and Ukraine. To learn more: https://lnkd.in/ewTieBGS   #NotATarget