Humanitarian Workers Under Attack: A Call to Action on World Humanitarian Day

Humanitarian workers are the last line of defense for over 300 million people caught in conflict or disaster, yet funding for their lifesaving work is dwindling. Last year, a record 390 aid workers were killed, with attacks taking place in Gaza, Sudan, and Myanmar. The international community has pledged action to protect humanitarians, but a lack of political will and moral courage is hindering progress.

Key Takeaways:

• Over 300 million people rely on humanitarian aid due to conflict or disaster.
• Funding for humanitarian work is decreasing, with 390 aid workers killed in 2023, a record high.
• Attacks on humanitarian workers have taken place in Gaza, Sudan, Myanmar, and elsewhere, with impunity.
• International law is clear: humanitarians must be respected and protected.
• Governments and the Security Council have pledged action to protect humanitarians, but a lack of political will and moral courage is hindering progress.
• Red lines are being crossed with impunity, with attacks on humanitarian workers increasing.
• The rules and tools to protect humanitarians exist, but there is a need for increased accountability and prosecution of perpetrators.
• The international community must take concrete action to protect humanitarians and invest in their safety.

Statistics:

• Over 300 million people rely on humanitarian aid due to conflict or disaster.
• 390 aid workers were killed in 2023, a record high.
• Attacks on humanitarian workers have taken place in Gaza, Sudan, Myanmar, and elsewhere.
• 62% of global humanitarian funding goes to just 10 countries (Source: UN OCHA).
• Only 15% of global humanitarian funding is dedicated to supporting the safety and security of aid workers (Source: UN OCHA).

Sources:

• United Nations secretary general (no specific date provided).
• UN OCHA publications (no specific date provided).
• International law treaties and conventions (dates vary).