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Home 5 News 5 Media Releases 5 Protection of civilians and upholding International Humanitarian Law amid escalating conflict in the Middle East

Protection of civilians and upholding International Humanitarian Law amid escalating conflict in the Middle East

Mar 17, 2026 | Media Releases

As humanitarian organisations, protecting lives and upholding human dignity drives the work we do. In the last month, the escalation of violence in the Middle East and the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation facing communities has resulted in over one thousand people killed, a million people forcibly displaced and attacks on civilians. These have included schools, hospitals, airports, and other public sites.

This war has already resulted in devastating consequences for millions of people, putting immense strain on communities, many of whom have lived through years of conflict and economic crisis.

We are continuing to see women, men and children caught in the crossfire, with ongoing strikes on civilian areas causing unimaginable suffering, and putting further strain on humanitarian agencies who are struggling to meet the escalating needs.

ACFID and the below signatory organisations reaffirm our commitment to the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence and call for urgent action to protect civilians and prevent further loss of life.

We condemn all attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure and are gravely concerned that without immediate deescalation, the humanitarian crisis will continue to have devastating consequences.

We call on the Australian Government to activate urgent humanitarian assistance to the region to provide lifesaving support to those most affected. ACFID member agencies and their partners are already on the ground responding, but in need of additional support to meet the growing needs.

We also call on the Australian Government to stand firmly on the side of international law at a time when it is under constant threat, upholding the protection of civilians and supporting a rules-based international order and use all available diplomatic means to call for ceasefire from all parties to the conflict in the Middle East.

Australians who are able and willing to donate to address the growing humanitarian needs can visit the Emergency Action Alliance appeal page or visit the websites of the agencies whose logos are shown.

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact ACFID Media at  [email protected]  or call 0401 721 064.