Friday, 2 August 2024
The Australian Council for International Development (ACFID), the peak body for humanitarian action, welcomes the public release of the federal government-commissioned review into the killing of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom and her six World Central Kitchen colleagues.
"Humanitarian workers must be ensured safety by combatants in carrying out life saving responses. It is imperative to adhere to international humanitarian law, which mandates the protection of humanitarian workers and the unimpeded delivery of aid." said Naomi Brooks, ACFID’s Humanitarian Advisor.
"This conflict has demonstrated a serious disregard for the safety of humanitarian personnel, resulting in devastating consequences. This attack was not a one-off incident. Civilians and humanitarian workers must be protected and are not a target.”
The United Nations reports that more than 250 aid workers have been killed since the conflict in Gaza began.
The Geneva Conventions require states to allow the free and unimpeded passage of humanitarian assistance, protect civilians, and protect humanitarian workers.
We note that the Australian Government is implementing all of Air Chief Marshal Binskin’s recommendations, including the recommendation for further calls on Israel to improve coordination and deconfliction with humanitarian organisations.
“We call for consultation with humanitarian agencies as the Australian Government makes further representations to the Israeli Government,” said Ms Brooks.
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Will Devine at 0401 721 064 or at [email protected]