Letter: Survival guide for aid workers

Survival guide for aid workers

Sir: The recent news that aid workers have been taken hostage by rebels in Tajikistan comes on the back of the tragic news that two aid workers - one Cambodian, one British - have been killed whilst working for the United Nations in Rwanda. These events once again highlight the often dangerous position that aid workers find themselves in.

Because of this, and other factors which relate to the welfare of aid workers, eleven UK aid organisations have come together to form People in Aid, funded by the ODA. The group will address concerns about the recruitment, vulnerability and high levels of stress of aid workers, particularly in disaster and conflict situations.

On 19 February, we will be publishing a Code of Best Practice which seeks to set a quality standard for the management and support given to aid workers in the field.

SARA DAVIDSON

People in Aid

London SW1