Feeling responsible for the safety of colleagues in a shrinking humanitarian space: the Crisis Communicator

In this second of three episodes in a series about ‘feeling responsible for the safety of colleagues in a shrinking humanitarian space’ MHPSS Hub, Senior Communication Officer, Villads Zahle interviews former Communication Team lead for a large humanitarian INGO, Iben de Neergaard.Almost 300 aid workers were killed in 2024 – the largest number in history. Additionally, more than 220 were wounded and more than 90 kidnapped. These dire numbers reflect a shrinking humanitarian space. A situation worsening over the last decade where it is increasingly challenging to deliver aid unhindered and safely.  This has serious direct implications for humanitarian staff and volunteers but also increases the pressure of those responsible for the security within our organizations. In this three episode podcast series we will discuss the mental challenges and coping mechanisms of the people who are working to keep their colleagues safe.