Protect Humanitarians

Protect Humanitarians is a Belgian NGO founded by Olivier Vandecasteele after surviving 456 days as a hostage. Turning pain into action, the organisation protects, supports and stands up for humanitarian workers at risk because they choose to help others. We provide psychological care and legal assistance to those affected by kidnapping, torture, arbitrary detention and other serious incidents, as well as to their families. We campaign for the release of those unjustly detained and work with universities and partners to strengthen the effective protection of humanitarian workers worldwide.

WHAT WE DO

Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS). We want all humanitarian workers, everywhere, to receive the care they deserve.

• Humanitarian Trauma Centre: We provide psychological treatment to humanitarians affected by traumatic experiences, including arbitrary detention, hostage-taking and torture.
• Supporting local expertise: We strengthen the capacity of local psychologists through clinical supervision, peer exchange and shared learning, supporting locally grounded responses to complex trauma.
• Community of Practice: Launched in 2025, our Community of Practice brings together MHPSS professionals, researchers and humanitarians with lived experience to promote equitable standards, share evidence and develop practical approaches to staff care across the humanitarian sector, centring the needs and expertise of national and local staff.

Global Humanitarian Survivor Network. We established a confidential, survivor-led space for humanitarians that have survived violence and families of those harmed while in service. Bringing together members from Palestine, Ukraine, Sudan, DRC, Yemen, Tunisia and beyond, our Network continues to grow. The Network exists so that lived experience can shape advocacy, policy and efforts to strengthen protection across the sector. 

Advocacy & Humanitarian Diplomacy for Detained Humanitarians. Our work takes place both publicly and behind closed doors, always guided by the wishes and needs of those directly affected. We combine advocacy, humanitarian diplomacy, and targeted public campaigns, engaging with policymakers, governments, institutions, humanitarian organisations and the wider public to mobilise support and contribute to collective efforts to secure the freedom of detained humanitarian workers.

Collaborative Research & Learning. We established the Academic Chair on the protection of humanitarian workers - hosted by the University of Liège - where we connect more than 20 academic partners across countries, to turn research into practical recommendations and guidance that strengthen the protection and support for humanitarian workers.

Legal Support. We help humanitarians and their families access legal support, by connecting them with specialised organisations and by covering legal fees when needed. This support helps them understand their rights, explore available legal options and seek accountability for the harm they have suffered.