Olivier Vandecasteele

Founder and Director

Protect Humanitarians

Master's DegreeUniversity of Leuven

Belgium

Summary

Olivier has dedicated over 20 years of his life to working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, supporting communities in crisis. His career took a personal turn when he was arbitrarily detained for 456 days by Iran. Olivier turned pain into action, focusing on the protection of frontline humanitarian personnel in partnership with local NGOs and CSOs. As the founder of Protect Humanitarians, he advocates for increased protection, care and mental health support to local humanitarian workers and provides concrete support and solutions to those who face harm in the field. Olivier was awarded the Humanitarian Hero of the Year award in Geneva in October 2024.

Experience

  • refugees
  • humanitarian aid
  • civil society
  • torts / conflict resolution
  • conservation
  • iran
  • mali
  • india
  • france
  • afghanistan
  • Sectors
  • Funders
  • Countries

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