EU Commissioner Warns of Rising Threats to Humanitarian Aid Workers

Strategic Insights -

As the world marks World Humanitarian Day on August 19, Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Commissioner Hadja Lahbib highlights the alarming rise in attacks on civilians and aid workers, with 2024 being the deadliest year on record for aid workers, resulting in 383 killed, 308 wounded, and 125 kidnapped. Despite the "rules of war" established by the Geneva Conventions in 1949, impunity for perpetrators persists, with 265 aid workers killed in 2025, threatening to surpass last year's tragic record.

Key Takeaways:

  • The EU is one of the world's largest humanitarian aid donors, working to save millions of lives in crisis situations globally.
  • Targeted attacks on civilians and aid workers, including hospitals, schools, and other civilian targets, are surging, while access to lifesaving aid is increasingly denied.
  • The deadliest year on record for aid workers was 2024, with 383 killed, 308 wounded, and 125 kidnapped.
  • In 2025, 265 aid workers were killed, putting last year's record at risk of being surpassed.
  • The EU's Protect Aid Workers rapid-response programme supports local humanitarians under fire and has currently aided 376 workers in 211 critical incidents.
  • Humanitarian aid will remain a beacon of hope, even in the darkest of times, and the EU's support will be steadfast, but ending the suffering caused by conflicts and man-made crises requires courageous political leadership and action to forge lasting peace.

Statistics:

  • 2024: 383 aid workers killed, 308 wounded, and 125 kidnapped.
  • 2025: 265 aid workers killed, with the risk of surpassing last year's record.
  • 90% of aid workers attacked are local aid workers, who often lack the protection of international staff.
  • 422 aid workers were aided in 211 critical incidents (376 current and unknown).
  • The EU's Protect Aid Workers rapid-response programme is currently aiding 376 workers in 211 critical incidents.

Sources:

  • "Statement by Commissioner Hadja Lahbib on World Humanitarian Day".
  • European Commission, Civil Protection Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, "Funding evaluations - Protecting aid workers".