CBM Australia Welcomes the Australian-led Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel
Media-release | September 24, 2025
23 September 2025 – Over 100 countries have supported a landmark declaration aimed at strengthening protection for humanitarian personnel working in crisis regions around the world.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has been a vocal advocate for the declaration, which comes at a time of unprecedented risk for humanitarian workers. In 2024 alone, humanitarian efforts reached an estimated 116 million people globally. Yet the year also marked the deadliest on record for aid personnel, with 383 humanitarian workers killed while serving communities in need.
The declaration, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, reaffirms the humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence as enshrined in international humanitarian law, and sets out practical measures to protect humanitarian workers delivering life-saving assistance in some of the world’s most dangerous contexts.
People with disabilities are among the most at-risk in crisis regions, and as part of our commitment to inclusive, rights-based humanitarian action, CBM Australia recognises that the safety and wellbeing of humanitarian personnel is essential to delivering effective and equitable aid.
“Supporting this declaration promotes safer, more inclusive environments for both people with disabilities who are in need of humanitarian assistance and the workers who provide it,” said Kobi Maglen, Director of Program Impact at CBM Australia.
The declaration presents a renewed opportunity for global cooperation to protect humanitarian workers and ensure that aid reaches those who need it most, without compromise to safety or inclusion.
Media Contact: Lauren O’Connell, email: loconnell@cbm.org.au
https://www.cbm.org.au/media-release/cbm-australia-welcomes-the-australian-led-declaration-for-the-protection-of-humanitarian-personnel
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