Aid Workers Face Record-High Violence, UN Says

Strategic Insights -

International aid workers are facing unprecedented levels of violence, with the United Nations reporting that 383 were killed in 2024, a 31% increase from the previous year. The relentless conflicts in Gaza and Sudan have claimed the lives of 181 humanitarian workers and 60 people, respectively, with state actors being the most common perpetrators. The UN has called for perpetrators to be brought to justice, emphasizing that violence against aid workers is not inevitable and must end.

Key Takeaways:

  • 383 aid workers were killed in 2024, a 31% increase from the previous year.
  • 181 humanitarian workers were killed in Gaza, with state actors being the most common perpetrators.
  • 60 people were killed in Sudan, where state actors were also the primary perpetrators.
  • 308 aid workers were wounded, 125 were kidnapped, and 45 were detained in 2024.
  • The UN's World Health Organization reported that 1,121 health workers and patients were killed in attacks across 16 territories.
  • Provisional figures from the Aid Worker Security Database show that 265 aid workers had been killed this year.
  • The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement reported that 18 of their staff and volunteers were killed in attacks this year.
  • Tom Fletcher, the UN's aid chief, said that attacks on aid workers are a "shameful indictment of international inaction and apathy."
  • UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized that humanitarians must be respected and protected, and that perpetrators must be brought to justice.

Statistics:

  • 383 aid workers were killed in 2024, a 31% increase from the previous year.
  • 181 humanitarian workers were killed in Gaza.
  • 60 people were killed in Sudan.
  • 308 aid workers were wounded in 2024.
  • 125 aid workers were kidnapped in 2024.
  • 45 aid workers were detained in 2024.
  • 1,121 health workers and patients were killed in attacks across 16 territories.
  • 18 staff and volunteers of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement were killed in attacks this year.

Sources:

  • United Nations
  • Statement by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres
  • Provisional figures from the Aid Worker Security Database
  • International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
  • World Health Organization