The European Commission’s Humanitarian and Civil Protection department (ECHO) with "Don't shoot, I'm a humanitarian worker!" campaign advocates for the security of humanitarian aid workerstakes. The European Commission bears a key responsibility in ensuring that its staff and partners work in the safest possible environment to be able to fulfil their tasks.

Security represents one of the most challenging issues for the humanitarian community. The conditions in which humanitarian workers operate have become increasingly dangerous. Humanitarian emblems and flags which traditionally provided a shield for humanitarian workers have now unfortunately often become targets.

Many measures have been advocating for the security of humanitarian aid workers and actively promoting International Humanitarian Law:

• The European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid, was adopted at the end of 2007 by the Council, the European Parliament and the European Commission. This landmark document underscores the need to preserve humanitarian space to ensure access to vulnerable populations and the safety and security of humanitarian personnel. This year, in consultation with its partners, the Commission will prepare a mid-term review of the implementation of the European Consensus and its Action Plan.
• European Union Guidelines on promoting compliance with International Humanitarian Law, on 23 December 2005. The European Union issued its Guidelines on promoting compliance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL)  emphasising the value it placed on promoting humanitarian law. When the Guidelines were updated by the Council in December 2009, the Council also adopted conclusions reaffirming its strong support for the promotion and respect of IHL.
• This autumn 2010, the European Union will facilitate this year's resolution of the United Nations General Assembly on the Safety and Security of humanitarian personnel and protection of United Nations' personnel.
• ECHO supports the activities of a number of humanitarian actors in reinforcing safety and security measures and promoting the fundamental humanitarian principles and IHL.

ECHO has contributed to several research studies regarding security for humanitarian organisations. ECHO has also initiated a review of “Standards and practices for the security of humanitarian personnel and advocacy for humanitarian space”.

This service has around 400 persons deployed in the field in various humanitarian spots around the world. An ECHO Guide on “Safety and Security in the Field” has been produced to familiarize the EU staff with the best safety and security practices and procedures. Earlier this year, ECHO has already sent help after the earthquake that shaked Haiti and, later, to Chile.

The European Union’s support towards its partners through specific projects

Countries such as Somalia and Sudan face a two-fold difficulty: they are facing the greatest humanitarian challenges but at same time are among the most dangerous places to deliver humanitarian assistance. To address the security and safety challenges, the EU funds specific projects with security components or entirely focusing on security. Such projects are for example currently ongoing in Somalia, Chad, Sudan, Afghanistan and Gaza.