2024 Declared Deadliest Year for Humanitarian Workers, Says UN"

In 2024, the humanitarian sector faced unprecedented challenges, with a record 281 aid workers killed globally, marking the deadliest year for humanitarian personnel since tracking began in 1997.

The conflict in Gaza significantly contributed to this grim milestone, with 178 aid workers losing their lives in the occupied Palestinian territories, including Gaza, making it the deadliest conflict for the United Nations this year.

Sudan also witnessed a tragic loss of 25 aid workers.

The majority of the victims were local staff, with 13 being international aid workers.

Despite international humanitarian laws designed to protect these workers, enforcement and prosecution remain significant challenges. Jens Laerke from the U.N. Humanitarian Office emphasized the need for stronger protection measures and accountability to end this era of impunity and ensure the safety of humanitarian staff.

U.N. aid chief Tom Fletcher has called for states and parties to conflict to protect humanitarians, uphold international law, prosecute those responsible, and end this era of impunity.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) reported that more than 320 humanitarian personnel have been killed since October 7, 2023, many while providing assistance.

The U.N. Security Council adopted resolution 2730 on May 24, 2024, in response to the growing violence against humanitarian workers, mandating the Secretary-General to recommend measures to prevent and respond to such incidents, enhance accountability, and improve protection for humanitarian personnel and assets.

These developments underscore the urgent need for enhanced protection and accountability to safeguard those dedicated to humanitarian missions worldwide.