A surge in attacks on humanitarian workers is occurring within a wider context of decreasing compliance and respect for international humanitarian law (Markus Spiske/Unsplash)

Protecting frontline humanitarians: Australia’s role as a middle power

Coming off the deadliest year on record for aid workers, Australia is well positioned to drive diplomatic change.

Amra Lee

11 March 20253 min read

The world is currently experiencing the highest level of armed conflict since the Second World War. As part of this, humanitarian aid worker deaths are soaring, with 2024 marking the deadliest year on record. From Gaza to Sudan, Myanmar, and Ukraine, attacks on aid workers continue with impunity, including the deliberate targeting of those who provided lifesaving aid to 116 million people last year. This surge in attacks and deaths is occurring within a wider context of decreasing compliance and respect for international humanitarian law.

Civilians, including humanitarian personnel, medical staff and journalists, are paying the price for this impunity. According to the Aid Worker Security Database, states – rather than non-state actors or criminals – bear the greatest responsibility for these deaths. Direct and indiscriminate attacks that do not distinguish between civilians and combatants, and the absence of timely, impartial investigations into violations of international law, are exacerbating the crisis.

Humanitarians on the frontline are often the last hope for people in desperate need. These individuals and organisations take extraordinary risks to preserve our shared humanity and save lives. While old threats persist, new challenges – such as indiscriminate warfare, disinformation campaigns, and increased access restrictions alongside funding cuts – are making it harder to meet this responsibility.

Further, the humanitarian notification systems used during armed conflict to inform parties of the locations and movements entitled to protection under International Humanitarian Law are often mistrusted, with many fearing these mechanisms are being misused by conflict parties to target humanitarians. High-profile security incidents not only endanger lives but also result in organisations scaling back their operations, shifting responsibilities and risks to local partners and staff.

Humanitarian advocacy alone has not been able to exert sufficient pressure in the face of such challenges. High-level political and diplomatic action is now required.

As a middle power, Australia is well positioned to drive diplomatic efforts in an increasingly contested world order and challenging multilateral environment.

In September last year, Australia, together with Jordan, Switzerland, Indonesia, Sierra Leone, the United Kingdom, Japan, Brazil and Colombia, launched a Ministerial Group to respond to these challenges and reinforce protections for humanitarian personnel. This initiative builds on UN Security Council Resolution 2730, adopted in May 2024, which called for more concrete measures to protect humanitarian workers. In November , experts briefing the Security Council called on states to use diplomatic and economic pressure to help uphold international law and address the “profound lack of accountability” for violence against aid workers.

As a middle power, Australia is well positioned to drive diplomatic efforts in an increasingly contested world order and challenging multilateral environment. Ensuring the safety of aid workers is not just a moral and legal responsibility but also a strategic necessity. Aid workers are the lifeline of crisis response; when they are attacked, the communities that rely on their presence and assistance also suffer – prolonging crises and increasing the risk of instability.

Australia can show leadership by taking practical steps to respond to these threats. This includes working with others to maintain the necessary political attention and sustained diplomatic pressure for greater accountability and justice. This starts with ensuring timely, impartial investigations into attacks against humanitarian personnel and, together with other donors, prioritising resources at the country level to cover legal, medical and psychological assistance for affected aid workers. Given local aid workers face the highest risks, providing dedicated training and financial resources to strengthen security protocols – including personal protective equipment – will be essential.

The time for action is now. Australia has an opportunity to lead a global movement to protect humanitarian personnel, demonstrating our stance against impunity and support for vulnerable people in need – and those who risk their lives to help them. Greater accountability and respect for international humanitarian law will ultimately support a safer world for us all.

The author would like to acknowledge Abby Stoddard and the Aid Worker Security Database for their data and trends analysis.