Mitigating the Toll on Local Humanitarian Aid Workers in Latin America Among Rising Violence

Guatemalan woman and girls playing.

Solidarity in Latin America is an innate value that has fostered resilience and promoted collective action through generations. During crises, it is common to see communities organizing in churches, community centers, and even local businesses to respond immediately to their fellow citizens. However, the increase in violence in the region, fueled by organized crime, political instability, and socioeconomic inequalities, has placed a toll on local humanitarian aid workers. Those who provide essential services to communities dealing with internal conflicts, forced displacement, natural disasters, and historical marginalization are facing a rapid increase in risks from extorsion and physical and psychological violence to insufficient institutional support.

The compounding difficulties of inadequate safety measures, lack of mental health resources, and inequitable treatment discourage members of those communities from pursuing or sustaining roles in humanitarian aid. More recently, there has been an increase in the criminalization of humanitarian assistance. This precarious environment sometimes limits innovation, as organizations become preoccupied with addressing immediate risks and defending their right to assist rather than fostering creative, long-term solutions. With targeted efforts to mitigate these barriers, the sector can retain its most critical resource: the dedicated local members becoming humanitarian workers driven by a natural desire to serve.

The Disproportionate Risks Faced by Local Aid Workers

Local aid workers absorb the heaviest toll of escalating violence in Latin America. According to the Aid Worker Security Database , national staff accounts for 80% of all victims of violence against aid workers globally, a trend that is mirrored in Latin America. The region has been dealing with organized crime, drug cartels, and weak governance, creating environments where local aid workers are especially vulnerable to threats, including kidnappings, sexual violence, and targeted killings. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) data highlights that the widespread violence and the normalization of coercive tactics, including disappearances, leaves aid workers and the communities they serve in heightened danger.

The ICRC emphasizes the risks for aid workers who assist displaced populations and migrants, as these workers often operate in areas controlled by armed groups or organized crime networks. The precarious conditions and resources also lead to increased vicarious trauma (emotional duress that individuals may experience when they are indirectly exposed to others' traumatic experiences) among humanitarian staff who witness atrocities or provide support to victims of multiple forms of violence and displacement.

Local Aid Worker, Cocinando y Donando Foundation

The Role of Private Foundations

Private foundations can play an important role in funding mental health and safety programs for international and local aid workers, providing training and resources focused on the needs of humanitarian workers facing chronic stress and traumatic events. Some foundations focus on resilience, psychological first aid, and stress management training, which have been demonstrated to reduce burnout and improve the well-being of workers. The Antares Foundation , for example, offers training and support, recognizing that staff in these sectors often face higher stress levels due to challenging and sometimes unsafe working conditions. Others have invested in programs to improve the security of local aid workers and funding initiatives that include secure accommodations, transportation, and communications infrastructure in high-risk areas.

Foundations also play a critical role in advocacy. By using their influence, they push for systemic reforms within humanitarian organizations to prioritize local staff safety. For instance, the Ford Foundation n has emphasized the importance of equitable treatment for local and international aid workers, advocating for including national staff in mental health initiatives and security planning.

The role of International Humanitarian Organizations

International Organizations prioritize international staff safety in many settings, but their security measurements are limited for local workers. Additionally, stigma around mental health and insufficient funding for staff (foreign and local) welfare limit the support available for those dealing with trauma or secondary trauma. International aid organizations, such as Doctors Without Borders and the ICRC, have developed robust safety protocols and models to protect workers in conflict zones that can be implemented in the region, including security training, frequent risk evaluations, and protective and communication equipment supply. 

Enhancing acceptance, security, and access for people and communities in need, while understanding the political, social, cultural, and economic dynamics of the operational environment can effectively prevent and manage inherent risks. Additionally, workshops on risk assessment, negotiation with armed groups, and strategies can help maintain neutrality and access in volatile regions.

Aid agencies increasingly recognize the importance of mental health support for their staff. For example, the UN's Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) has issued mental health and psychosocial support guidelines in humanitarian settings and connects with practitioners, policymakers, and researchers from more than 100 countries worldwide, including members from low, middle-income, and crisis-affected countries. Yet, implementation remains inconsistent. A study highlighted that only 20% of surveyed aid workers had access to psychological support services despite widespread reports of PTSD and anxiety among the aid workers.

The Role of Technology and Private Companies

Private companies specializing in technology and security have begun contributing to the safety of aid workers. Companies like Palantir and Everbridge provide critical event management tools, such as geospatial analytics and emergency communication systems, to help organizations monitor and respond to security threats in real-time.

Through corporate social responsibility (CSR), private companies can provide for the well-being of aid workers in Latin America. For example, telecommunications firms can give free or sponsored communication services to aid workers in remote areas, contributing to their safety. Likewise, companies in the healthcare sector can partner with local nonprofits to deliver mental health services, medical supplies, and training to aid workers in emergencies.

Conclusion

The growing levels of violence in Latin America present an urgent challenge for the humanitarian sector. Local aid workers at the heart of humanitarian setups face disproportionate risks and lack support. It is important to work towards a comprehensive approach to addressing the intersection of violence, displacement, and local humanitarian interventions.

 As violence continues to threaten the region, the need for action has never been more urgent. Private foundations, aid agencies, and private companies play a fundamental role in addressing the safety concerns. These stakeholders can meaningfully mitigate the toll on local humanitarian workers by funding innovative local programs, advocating for more inclusive policies, and leveraging technology. Overall, the severity of the challenges requires a coordinated and collaborative approach. Stakeholders and organizations alike must prioritize local aid workers' safety, mental health, and professional development to ensure the sustainability and efficacy of humanitarian interventions in Latin America.

Josh Palmer contributed to this opinion.