International NGO Safety Organisation (INSO) Highlights Concerning Trends in July NGO Incidents Report

Insights and Commentary

International NGO Safety Organisation (INSO) Highlights Concerning Trends in July NGO Incidents Report

Global - In its latest monthly update, the International NGO Safety Organisation (INSO) has cast light on a concerning dip in NGO incidents. July registered only 83 incidents, the lowest this year. However, the data may not provide the complete picture, as INSO anticipates a potential rise once pending reports are verified.

In a notable development, INSO's Iraq programme was resurrected this month after a 10-month hiatus. Yet, beneath the progress lurks a shadow of concern. Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region in Iraq, saw an NGO staff member face harassment. Meanwhile, the backdrop of Iraq's security landscape was marred by Turkish cross-border military maneuvers and significant civil unrest in Baghdad.

But Iraq isn't alone in facing challenges. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) led the charts with the highest number of NGO incidents. This trend is unfortunately not new and aligns with unsettling patterns observed throughout the year.

Mali, a nation continually grappling with internal conflict, witnessed its humanitarian spaces shrink further. Organized Armed Groups (OAGs) and government forces have ratcheted up pressures, making Mali the second most affected country in terms of NGO incidents.

Further south, Mozambique's northern provinces grapple with an escalating threat - improvised explosive devices (IEDs). This year has seen a steady rise in such incidents, and July was no exception.

Yet, perhaps the most globally impactful event was the military coup in Niger. This event marks the latest in a series of coups shaking the Sahel since 2020. While NGOs have yet to bear the direct brunt, the coup's ripple effects are expected to challenge humanitarian access in the months to come, especially if the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) decides to intervene.

July's incidents also bore a grim severity. Thirteen NGO staff faced abductions across four incidents, with ten more sustaining injuries in other grave occurrences. Mali saw all its abduction incidents resolved without harm, but the threat remains palpable.

As readers turn their eyes to this report, the message is clear: The world's humanitarian heroes face growing challenges. It remains to be seen how international communities will respond to ensure their safety.

For a deeper dive into INSO's findings, readers are directed to their comprehensive July 2023 report.

Source: International NGO Safety Organisation (INSO), July 2023 -NGO Incidents Overview. (n.d.). Retrieved October 17, 2023, from https://reliefweb.int/attachments/6725656e-ca28-4d9f-aee3-da93f0677a38/July%202023%20-%20NGO%20Incidents%20Overview.pdf

Commentary: Unpacking the NGO Landscape — Insights from INSO's July 2023 Report

The recent report from the International NGO Safety Organisation (INSO) offers more than just statistics; it presents a vivid tapestry of the challenges humanitarian

workers face in a rapidly evolving global landscape. But beyond the immediate numbers lies a deeper narrative of regional tensions, geopolitical complexities, and the indispensable role of NGOs. Let's delve deeper.

Global Impacts: