Attacks on Humanitarian Workers Reach Record High, Secretary-General Stresses Protection and Accountability

The plight of aid workers who risk their lives daily to help those in conflict or disaster zones has reached a critical juncture. More than 300 million people worldwide rely on these individuals, yet they suffer increasingly from attacks, and a record high of at least 390 aid workers were killed last year. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has emphasized the need for protection and accountability, pointing out that humanitarians must be respected and protected under international law. However, red lines are often crossed with impunity, and the rules and tools exist, but what is lacking is the political will and moral courage to act.

Key Takeaways:

• At least 390 aid workers were killed worldwide last year, representing a record high, with the majority being national staff serving their communities.
• Most of the aid workers killed in Gaza were national staff serving their communities, attacked in the line of duty or in their homes, with 181 humanitarian workers killed in 2024 alone.
• Since the start of the conflict in October 2023, 520 aid workers, mostly staff from the UN Relief Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), have been killed in Gaza, making it the deadliest place for humanitarians.
• Aid workers in Gaza courageously put themselves in harm's way to keep others alive while struggling to feed themselves and their own families.
• Strikes and shelling were reported across five neighborhoods of Gaza City in the past 24 hours, with reports of tanks and ground troops advancing.
• The UN and non-governmental organization (NGO) officials warned of the impact of the intensified offensive in Gaza City, which will result in mass displacement of human beings.

Statistics:

• At least 390 aid workers were killed worldwide last year, with a record high number reported.
• 181 humanitarian workers were killed in Gaza in 2024 alone.
• 520 aid workers have been killed in Gaza since the start of the conflict in October 2023.
• The number of aid workers killed in Sudan over 60.
• The number of reported casualties in shooting incidents along routes designated for aid convoys in the past 24 hours.

Sources:

• Xinhua via COMTEX, August 19, 2025.
• UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' video message marking World Humanitarian Day.
• Stephane Dujarric, UN Secretary-General's Spokesman.
• UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
• UN Relief Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
• UN and non-governmental organization (NGO) officials' joint statement.