Whether supporting refugees at borders, gathering evidence in conflict zones, or running awareness campaigns in volatile regions, humanitarian work often involves physical, emotional, and legal risks. Staff may be vulnerable to:

• Security threats in conflict areas
• Long-term mental health challenges
• Burnout from prolonged stress
• Inadequate medical coverage in the field

Failing to address these risks can affect staff morale, retention, and ultimately the impact of the organization itself.

Duty of care refers to the moral and legal obligation organizations must protect their employees from harm. For organizations working in human rights, this responsibility carries even more weight. These organizations must implement risk management frameworks, ensure adequate employee protection, and prepare their teams for the environments they operate in.

Employers also have a clear duty of care in humanitarian organizations such as NGOs and IGOs, where staff are often exposed to high-risk environments. These obligations go beyond legal compliance and reflect a broader ethical commitment to employee protection and organizational resilience.

This includes having the right crisis management protocols, offering mental health benefits, and developing a culture of employee wellbeing that extends beyond the office, especially in remote or high-risk assignments.

Offering competitive and relevant employee benefits is more than just a corporate trend; it is essential for mission-driven organizations. For those working within human rights organizations, providing personalized support is especially important. This support can take many forms, such as:

• Flexible global health insurance plans
• Wellness programs designed for remote or mobile staff
• Coverage for family members or dependents
• Cultural sensitivity and DEI aligned benefit options

These offerings strengthen retention and reinforce a values-based approach aligning with responsible business and ethical leadership.

At Allianz Partners, we understand the demands placed on humanitarian staff and human rights defenders. That’s why our global solutions include customized employee wellbeing programs, strategic risk management assessments, and comprehensive staff security frameworks designed specifically for NGOs and IGOs.

From field-based trauma support to scalable workplace wellbeing strategies, our goal is to help human rights organizations meet their duty of care responsibilities while empowering their people to thrive, even in complex and high-stress settings.

World Day for International Justice reminds us that safeguarding staff in human rights work is not just an ethical commitment; it is a business imperative. By strengthening duty of care and employee protection for those on the front lines, organizations can build a more resilient, supported, and purpose-driven workforce.

To explore how your organization can better protect employees in high-risk environments, visit International health insurance for NGOs | Allianz Partners.