Minderoo pledges US$1m to protect humanitarian workers
On the eve of the United Nations General Assembly, Dr Andrew Forrest AO, on behalf of Minderoo Foundation, signed the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel and pledged a first contribution of US$1 million (A$1.52m) to safeguard frontline aid workers.
The declaration comes after 2024 — the deadliest year on record for humanitarians, with more than 380 killed, including Australian Lalzawmi “Zomi” Frankcom, who died in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza.
Spearheaded by the Australian government, the declaration seeks to mobilise global political will to ensure aid workers can deliver lifesaving support safely and without obstruction.
“These are the brave heroes who risk everything in service of humanity,” Dr Andrew Forrest AO said.
“International law protects them, and this declaration reinforces accountability for all parties in conflict.
“As crises escalate, reform is urgent — we owe it to the 305 million people worldwide in need of humanitarian assistance.”
Minderoo Foundation’s pledge will be deployed with fellow signatories to strengthen frontline protection and marks the start of a series of high-level UNGA events convened by Dr Forrest to drive reform, accountability, and urgent humanitarian action.
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