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Urgent Call for Protection of Aid Workers on World Humanitarian Day

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As the world marks World Humanitarian Day, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is highlighting the alarming trend of violence against aid workers worldwide. Despite international humanitarian law protecting humanitarian workers, attacks continue with impunity, silencing those who deliver life-saving assistance to those in greatest need. This year's World Humanitarian Day comes as the cost for those delivering aid reaches devastating levels, with 383 humanitarian workers killed in 2024 and 265 killed as of August 15, 2025, at a rate that may make 2025 one of the deadliest years on record.

Key Takeaways:

  • The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is calling for urgent protection of aid workers and an end to the rising violence against them worldwide.
  • Attacks on humanitarian workers continue with impunity, with 383 killed in 2024 and 265 killed as of August 15, 2025, at a rate that may make 2025 one of the deadliest years on record.
  • International humanitarian law explicitly protects humanitarian workers, but attacks on convoys, facilities, and aid corridors continue, leaving those in greatest need without life-saving support.
  • IOM Director General Amy Pope emphasized the need for political action, accountability, and real protection to stop these indefensible attacks.
  • The rise in attacks unfolds against a backdrop of growing displacement and escalating needs, with 73.5 million people forced from their homes by the end of 2024, according to the 2025 Global Report on Internal Displacement.
  • IOM joins the United Nations and humanitarian partners in calling on all states to use their influence to prevent and end these violations.
  • Humanitarian workers risk their lives every day to help people in need, and IOM is urging stronger, coordinated, and decisive action to protect them and ensure their ability to deliver aid to those who need it most.
  • The World Humanitarian Day message emphasizes the honor and sacrifice of these workers and the need for states to take decisive action to protect them.

Statistics:

  • 383 humanitarian workers killed in 2024, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
  • 265 humanitarian workers killed as of August 15, 2025, with at least 202 more wounded, kidnapped, detained, or arrested.
  • At the current rate, 2025 is on track to becoming one of the deadliest years on record for humanitarian workers.
  • 73.5 million people forced from their homes by the end of 2024, according to the 2025 Global Report on Internal Displacement.
  • International humanitarian law requires the protection of both civilians and those who deliver life-saving assistance.

Sources:

  • International Organization for Migration (IOM)
  • United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
  • 2025 Global Report on Internal Displacement
  • United Nations and humanitarian partners

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