‘An attack on humanitarians is an attack on humanity’
A record 390 humanitarian workers were killed worldwide in 2024, marking the highest annual death toll ever recorded for aid personnel, according to the United Nations.
The figure was highlighted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres in his message for World Humanitarian Day, observed on Tuesday.
By the end of November 2024, 281 aid workers had been killed, according to data previously released by the UN.
In just one month, nearly 100 humanitarian workers perished, based on the latest data from the international organization.
The 2024 number eclipsed the 280 aid worker deaths total that the UN recorded in 2023, according to the UN.
The fatalities occurred in conflict and disaster zones such as Gaza, Sudan, and Myanmar, where humanitarian workers serve as a critical lifeline for more than 300 million people.
Despite their essential role, Guterres warned that funding for humanitarian operations is declining, while attacks on aid workers are on the rise.
Guterres stressed that international law clearly states humanitarian personnel must be respected and protected, and can never be targeted. “This rule is non-negotiable and is binding on all parties to conflict, always and everywhere,” he said. However, he noted that these protections are frequently ignored, with violations occurring with impunity.
The Secretary-General called on governments to enforce existing Security Council measures to protect aid workers, invest in their safety, and hold perpetrators accountable. He also urged an end to arms flows to groups that violate international law.
“An attack on humanitarians is an attack on humanity,” Guterres said, urging the global community to act to safeguard those providing life-saving assistance.
