UNDSS signs the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel

On 21 September 2025, Under-Secretary-General Gilles Michaud participated in Australia’s vigil and launch of the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, a political commitment by over 100 Member States1 developed by a Ministerial Group2 to generate momentum to uphold international obligations protecting humanitarian personnel. The Declaration emerged following one of the deadliest years for United Nations and humanitarian personnel, reflecting increased awareness and concern about the safety and security of United Nations and humanitarian personnel on the part of many Member States. Through this Declaration, signatories reaffirm their commitment to respect and uphold international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, to champion the protection of humanitarian personnel, and to preserve the role of principled humanitarian action. The Declaration includes concrete measures to ensure safe humanitarian access, including facilitating access of security and communications equipment, improving protection frameworks, especially for locally recruited personnel, and establishing accountability mechanisms to end impunity. UNDSS participated in relevant discussions prior to the launch of the Declaration and provided technical support throughout the drafting and negotiation stages. For additional information on trends and measures to prevent and address safety and security incidents affecting United Nations and humanitarian personnel, visit: The report of the Secretary-General (A/80/292); The resolution of the General Assembly (A/RES/79/138); The Security Council resolution (S/RES/2730); and Letter of the Secretary-General (S/2024/852).