The United Nations has confirmed that 281 aid workers have been killed worldwide in 2024, marking the deadliest year on record for humanitarian personnel. According to Tom Fletcher, the UN’s Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, this tragic milestone reflects the increasing violence against those delivering life-saving assistance in conflict zones.
A Surge in Violence Against Humanitarians
Fletcher emphasized the disturbing rise in attacks on humanitarian workers, with the rate of fatalities significantly higher than in previous years. By November 2024, the number of killed aid workers had already surpassed the 280 killed across 33 countries in 2023. This escalation has been driven in large part by the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where over 300 aid workers—primarily from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA)—have lost their lives since the war began following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
The scale of violence faced by humanitarian personnel is “unconscionable,” Fletcher stated, highlighting the immense risks aid workers continue to face in delivering critical services to those affected by war and natural disasters. Attacks on humanitarian operations have disrupted life-saving assistance, making it even more difficult to reach vulnerable populations.
Broader Trend of Violence Against Civilians
The rise in fatalities among aid workers is part of a broader, worrying trend of increased violence in conflict zones, which has severely impacted civilians. According to UN data, over 33,000 civilian deaths were reported in 14 different conflicts last year alone, a staggering 72% increase from 2022. The growing trend of violence against humanitarian personnel reflects the broader dangers civilians face in war-torn areas.
Most of the aid workers killed in 2024 were local staff, working for non-governmental organizations, UN agencies, and the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement. These workers are often subjected to a range of attacks, including kidnappings, injuries, arbitrary detentions, and harassment. Conflict zones such as Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, and Ukraine have seen especially high levels of violence against humanitarian personnel.
Calls for Greater Protection and Accountability
The UN has called on all states and parties involved in conflict to do more to protect aid workers and uphold international humanitarian law. Fletcher stressed that accountability must be a priority, urging that those responsible for targeting humanitarians should be prosecuted. “States and parties to conflict must protect humanitarians, uphold international law, prosecute those responsible, and bring an end to this era of impunity,” he said.
In response to the increasing threats to aid workers, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution in May 2024, calling for stronger measures to prevent violence against humanitarian staff and ensure better protection for those providing aid in conflict zones. The resolution also urged for increased accountability for those committing abuses against humanitarians. The UN Secretary-General is set to present further recommendations on how to safeguard aid workers and prevent future attacks during an upcoming meeting of the Security Council.
A Dire Situation for Humanitarian Efforts
As the number of fatalities rises, the effectiveness of humanitarian aid efforts worldwide is increasingly under threat. With humanitarian personnel facing life-threatening conditions and organizations struggling to operate in such hostile environments, the scale of the global humanitarian crisis is set to worsen unless swift action is taken to address the dangers posed to aid workers.
Humanitarian organizations continue to play a crucial role in providing emergency assistance, including food, medical care, and shelter, to millions of people affected by conflict and disaster. However, the growing violence against aid workers not only endangers the lives of those on the front lines but also undermines the ability to deliver vital aid to those who need it most. The world now faces an urgent need for stronger protections and a renewed commitment to respecting international law in conflict zones.
