UN Chief Calls for Greater Protection of Humanitarian Workers

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for urgent action to protect humanitarian workers worldwide, warning that they are increasingly under attack despite being a lifeline for millions in crisis.

In a message marking "World Humanitarian Day on August 19" , Guterres said humanitarian aid workers are the “last lifeline” for more than 300 million people trapped in conflict or disaster zones. Yet, he noted, funding is dwindling while attacks on aid staff are rising.

“Last year, at least 390 aid workers – a record high – were killed across the world. From Gaza to Sudan to Myanmar and beyond,” the UN chief said.

Guterres stressed that international law clearly requires that humanitarian personnel be respected and protected, describing such protection as **“non-negotiable and binding on all parties to conflict, always and everywhere.” However, he warned that “red lines are crossed with impunity,” undermining global humanitarian efforts.

He pointed out that governments have pledged to safeguard aid workers and that the UN Security Council has provided a framework to ensure their protection. Still, he said, the problem lies in the lack of “political will and moral courage” to enforce existing rules.

Marking the day of tribute to humanitarian staff, Guterres urged world leaders to act decisively by:

- Protecting every aid worker and investing in their safety,

- Combating misinformation that puts them at risk,

- Ensuring accountability and justice for perpetrators of attacks, and

- Ending arms flows to groups that violate international law.

“Together, let us say in one voice: An attack on humanitarians is an attack on humanity,” he said, calling on the international community to #ActForHumanity.