Eu Day Light

United Nations (UN) Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher said humanitarian workers continue to face serious risks on the ground despite being protected under international humanitarian law.

Fletcher said that marked humanitarian aid vehicles in particular are still being attacked and that local organizations face the greatest risks.

In a statement on his social media account, Fletcher pointed out that humanitarian workers are protected by international humanitarian law, but said this protection is not sufficiently reflected in practice on the ground.

Noting that even vehicles used in humanitarian operations and bearing the required markings continue to come under attack, Fletcher stressed the need to ensure the safety of aid workers.

Fletcher said, “Aid workers are protected under international humanitarian law. Yet marked humanitarian vehicles are still being hit.”

Fletcher also drew attention to the dangers faced by local organizations involved in humanitarian relief efforts.

Stating that local aid organizations bear the greatest risks in conflict zones, Fletcher said these organizations and their workers must be protected.