'The Muttur massacre in Sri Lanka remains, 20 years later, a prime example of impunity for attacks on humanitarians'

Humanitarians are there when crises hit; when natural disasters strike, wars break out, hunger spreads. They are a lifeline for communities whose lives have been torn apart, helping them rebuild homes, livelihoods, communities. But what happens when those who help come under attack?

Twenty years ago, on August 4, 2006, a team of 17 humanitarians working for Action  Against Hunger in Muttur, Sri Lanka, were forced to kneel, before being shot in the back of the head at close range in their compound. They had been in Muttur providing clean drinking water.  The "Muttur massacre," as it became known, sent shockwaves through the humanitarian community globally.

In the days following the attack, Action Against Hunger offices were overwhelmed with messages of condolences from heads of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), United Nations commissioners and diplomats. It was considered by all as an attack on humanity. Many expressed outrage, while others expressed concern – how could humanitarians continue their vital work in the world's most dangerous places knowing that they could be targeted at any moment?

The Muttur massacre became emblematic of the collapse of humanitarian protection in Sri  Lanka and a turning point for humanitarian access and security. In September 2007, the Norwegian Refugee Council published a report noting that the humanitarian space in Sri Lanka had been steadily shrinking since 2006, stating that "aid workers are finding themselves being  increasingly targeted in the brutal conflict [between the government and Tamil separatists]."

Defining failure of justice

As humanitarian organizations left the region, humanitarian access narrowed, movement restrictions intensified, and agencies reduced field operations due to insecurity. Communities already affected by conflict and displacement faced increasing difficulty accessing aid and services. The disruption of humanitarian operations contributed to exacerbated malnutrition, untreated illness, water-borne disease, and civilian vulnerability.

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