Beyond Psychological Support: An Integrated Approach To Protecting The Mental Health Of Aid Workers Operating In Armed Conflict Settings

Humanitarian workers and volunteers face significantly elevated risks of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and burnout. This article examines the psychosocial risk factors driving these outcomes and presents the IGLOO framework — a practical, evidence-based model for protective action at the individual, group, leader, organizational, and contextual levels, tailored to humanitarian settings. Drawing on experience with the ICRC, the framework is illustrated through two real-world interventions: manager training for well-being and distress recognition, and a structured psychosocial response to critical incidents. The authors argue that humanitarian organizations must move beyond reactive support toward an integrated duty of care — one that prioritizes prevention, mitigation, and sustainable mental health protection for staff operating in conflict zones.