On World Humanitarian Day, RedR Australia hosted a webinar reflecting on the 2026 Theme of "Strengthening Global Solidarity and Empowering Local Communities". The webinar highlighted the unprecedented threats facing aid workers in conflict zones and how forefronting locally led crisis responses can and does help protect humanitarian personnel.

The speakers Included Dr.Joshua Hallwright from RedR Australia, Natasha Chabbra from Australian Red Cross and Catherine Green from Minderoo Foundation. Hosted and Led by RedR Australia’s Sally Cunningham, the webinar brought together humanitarian and protection perspectives to examine how International Humanitarian Law can be promoted and disseminated, while asking why compliance continued to fall short. Speakers unpacked the role of political commitment, accountability and practical coordination, including new efforts responding to The Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, implemented in September 2025.

World Humanitarian Day's core focus was designed to drive global action by focusing on three primary pillars.

Protecting Aid Workers: The speakers highlighted the alarming rise of attacks on humanitarian personnel and civilians.  

Upholding International Law: How to continue demanding accountability to those who violate International Humanitarian Laws.  

Championing Local Responders: Pushing and advocating for better funding and safer conditions for frontline, locally-led organisations who keep survival lifelines intact.  

From emerging threats such as drones and cyber risks to the everyday challenges of safe access and geographic limits, the webinar explored how shared responsibility, stronger respect for the Geneva Conventions and locally led approaches could improve safety and sustain humanitarian action where it was needed most.

Listen to the webinar in full - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvTRmE4aT70&t=406s