Australia is spearheading an international push to protect aid workers in war zones after an emotional plea from the family of killed humanitarian Zomi Frankcom.
An international declaration for the protection of humanitarian workers will be championed by Foreign Minister Penny Wong as she meets with counterparts and aid agencies on the sidelines of a United Nations summit in New York.
Gaza is the world's most dangerous place for aid workers with almost 300 deaths since Israel began its nearly year-long counteroffensive after Hamas' October 7 attack.
Zomi Frankcom's family said people like her were rare and deserved to be protected. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)
This included Australian Zomi Frankcom who was killed by an Israeli airstrike in Gaza, which its defence force said stemmed from a mistaken identification of the aid convoy she was travelling in.
Ms Frankcom deserved the right to live after serving people "in the most desperate moments of their lives", the family said.
"People like Zomi are rare and their bravery and selflessness should be not only celebrated but protected - they can't be brave at any cost," they said in a statement.
"She brought joy and hope and light to communities in some of the darkest hours of their lives."
Ms Frankcom's family supported Australia's initiative to protect humanitarian aid workers, saying it was important her work wasn't lost in the discussion as none of the killed humanitarian workers were simply "faceless, nameless aid workers".
The year 2023 was the deadliest on record for aid workers as conflicts raged around the world. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)
"We also wish for an immediate end to the blatant disregard for safety shown to aid workers and innocent civilians in the current conflict, but more so, a ceasefire and end to the current conflict," they added.
More than 280 aid workers were killed in 2023, the deadliest year on record which is expected to be surpassed in 2024 as conflicts rage in Sudan, South Sudan, Ukraine, Yemen and Gaza.
Senator Wong will work with humanitarian organisations and the UN secretary general to present a declaration that outlines practical steps to protect aid workers in conflict while reaffirming humanitarian law.
The foreign minister expressed concern at the increase in aid workers being killed, saying it signified "the rules and norms that protect humanitarian personnel are at risk" and had repercussions for future conflicts.
She said "Australia felt this deeply" following Israel's strike on the World Central Kitchen convoy which killed Ms Frankcom and her colleagues.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong says the rise in aid worker killings shows long-held rules are at risk. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)
"You can't protect civilians if you don't protect the aid workers who are delivering the food, water and medicine they need to survive," the foreign minister said.
"Now is the moment for the international community to rededicate itself to the protection of aid workers in conflict zones."
Senator Wong has pressed Israel to better protect civilians after the Israeli Defence Force admitted its strike on the convoy stemmed from a failure to follow procedures, errors in decision making and mistaken identification.
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