Solidarity with Civilians in the West Asia Conflict
The Alliance for Empowering Partnerships (A4EP) is deeply concerned by the ongoing situation in West Asia, impacting civilian populations, local civil society organisations and humanitarian actors across the board. The escalating humanitarian emergency and rising hostilities warrant deliberation on the safety, security, and well-being of those who are absorbing the greatest risks without adequate protection.
A4EP stands in solidarity with the people in the region, and particularly with the innocent civilians and the humanitarian actors who continue working under extremely challenging situations, supporting at- risk, vulnerable and affected communities.
As a global alliance whose members are rooted in the communities, we reaffirm the importance of safeguarding civilians, humanitarian personnel, and critical civilian infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, WASH, electricity, and humanitarian facilities. The protection of civilians and the respect for the International Humanitarian Law and the Human Rights Law must remain essential priorities.
A4EP advocates for equitable humanitarian partnerships and stronger recognition of frontline actors in humanitarian action. We recognise the important role independent civil society organisations play in documenting evidence for humanitarian needs, supporting crisis-affected populations, and advocating for peaceful and sustainable humanitarian solutions. Thus, ensuring that these organisations can operate safely and effectively is critical to effective humanitarian crisis response and for strengthening community resilience.
In the current multiple crises, A4EP calls on the international community and humanitarian agencies to intensify localised efforts to mitigate suffering, protect civilian lives, and ensure that adequate and timely humanitarian assistance reaches those who need it most.
At a time when repeated crises risk becoming dangerously normalised, we implore global political leaders and political institutions to demonstrate genuine statesmanship and compassion. By prioritising dialogue, restraint, and the preservation of human life over the continuation or escalation of conflict, a safer, equitable and sustainable future can be assured for all. We call upon the United Nations and its relevant mechanisms to intensify diplomatic engagement and facilitate credible pathways toward de-escalation, accountability, and the protection of civilians, while ensuring that the Humanitarian Principles and the International Law remain at the centre of all efforts to resolve the crisis.
We call on humanitarian institutions and organisations to rise to this moment by strengthening their duty of care to frontline humanitarian workers, including addressing the psychological toll, moral injury, and demoralising conditions they face while supporting communities amidst violence and uncertainty. The endowment and fair compensation to our fellow humanitarians and their families must be prioritised.
The A4EP Members reiterate their solidarity with local populations, civil society and others suffering in the West Asia region and those working with the affected people. We remain committed to amplifying the voices of at-risk populations and local and national actors while promoting collective action toward peace, human dignity, and a more just and equitable humanitarian system.
Alliance for Empowering Partnerships
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