David Haines murder highlights perils of aid work

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/14/david-haines-perils-aid-workers

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The murder of David Haines highlights the dangers faced by trained aid workers who are increasingly being targeted in conflict zones, and aid agencies have cautioned against individuals embarking on solo humanitarian missions in Syria and Iraq.

Alison Wallace, chief executive of the disaster relief charity ShelterBox, said: "If indiscriminate hostage-taking is now casting a wider net, from journalists to aid workers, we will redouble our efforts to keep our people safe. David Haines's death is bound to make the third sector measure every risk, and every single humanitarian footstep, more cautiously."

The charity does not have a response team in either Syria or Iraq, though Wallace said there was little doubt it would need to send teams again in future. It has frequently worked in partnership with Acted, the Paris-based NGO that Haines was working for at the time of his kidnapping.

Islamic Relief, which delivers aid across the border from Turkey into Syria through a network of Syrian nationals, said conflict in the region meant it was difficult to shine a light on what was going on in parts of Syria. "It is just too dangerous at the moment to take in anybody else, whether it be media or fundraisers, or any other expats who might help to raise awareness of the situation," said advocacy manager Martin Cottingham.

Though the bravery and passion of people from the Muslim community in the UK trying to get personally involved in delivering humanitarian aid was admirable, he said, it was "an incredibly dangerous thing to do at the moment".

"We would really advise them to channel that passion through established organisations with a presence on the ground who can deliver on their behalf."

He said 155 aid workers from different organisations were killed in 30 countries last year.

Ravi Singh, of Khalsa Aid, a Sikh relief organisation, said some aid workers may be put off by the risks but most would continue. "We know there are risks. We do what we can to minimise the risks by being aware," he told Sky News. "All our senses are on high alert.When I was in Iraq recently, you had to be very aware about your surroundings, who you meet, who you get in the car with.

"You only trust a few people, and the risk of snatch squads from any of the forces who might want to take you as a prize is always there. It is a very high risk. But we don't do it for money. We do it because it's for humanity."

He added: "A few aid workers, yes, will be put off and you cannot blame them. But most of them I know, I met through the last 15 years of my aid work, they will continue because it's the path we choose."

Oxfam said it extended its deepest sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of Haines. "Humanitarian workers take no sides and go to work in conflict zones to help save lives. It's vital that they are protected. Violence against aid workers is never justified and Oxfam is constantly assessing dangers in all the areas we work in," it said.

"Oxfam take every opportunity to prevent situations where are staff are in danger and as an organisation we protect them as best we can. If we have to we will remove them from dangerous situations if we feel their lives are under threat. We have very robust safety and security procedures and we have contingency plans in place if something goes wrong but we call on all sides of any conflict to do more to protect humanitarian workers."