Study on the criminalisation of humanitarian aid

Objective

Support the development of a state of play report on criminalization of humanitarian workers. 

Recap

2025 was one of the deadliest year affecting humanitarian personnel worldwide and resurgence of conflicts since the beginning of 2026 may likely continue to impact civilians and humanitarian personnel. Many legislative frameworks and practices hinder the delivery of principled humanitarian action, exposes humanitarian personnel to risks such as detention, arrest, and harassment. 

The purpose of the consultancy is to support the HOPES (Project in consortium with several organization) advocacy coordinator to develop a State of play report on criminalization of aid. The consultant will provide a detailed legal analysis of the environment in which aid workers deliver principled humanitarian assistance. 

In collaboration with the HOPES advocacy coordinator, the consultant will: 

• Review existing literature, legal frameworks, and national practices to map legal constraints across countries.  

• Conduct a legal analysis of the key frameworks regulating humanitarian work including access in 8 countries with a focus on possible criminalization.   

• Carry out key informant interviews to better understand the practical impact of these legal frameworks at the country level.  

• Contribute to the drafting and overall development of the report. 

We are expecting the consultant to work with the HOPES advocacy coordinator 1 or 2 days a week (flexible), from May to October 2026.  

To know more, please read the following terms of reference: