UN Relief Chief Urges Global Solidarity Amidst Intensifying Attacks on Aid Workers
New York, 18 June 2025 – The United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mr. Martin Griffiths, has issued an urgent plea for global solidarity, highlighting the perilous and increasingly dangerous conditions faced by humanitarian workers. In a stark assessment, Mr. Griffiths revealed that humanitarians are “literally under attack,” a grim reality that is severely hampering vital aid efforts worldwide.
Mr. Griffiths’ call, published today by UN News, underscores a deeply concerning trend where those dedicated to providing life-saving assistance are themselves becoming targets. These attacks, which range from direct assaults and abductions to the deliberate obstruction of aid convoys, not only endanger the lives of aid workers but also have a devastating impact on the millions of vulnerable people who rely on their services.
“The safety and security of humanitarian personnel is paramount,” stated Mr. Griffiths. “When humanitarians are attacked, it is not just individuals who are harmed, but the very fabric of aid delivery is threatened. Communities struggling with conflict, natural disasters, and economic hardship are being denied the essential support they desperately need.”
The nature of these attacks is multifaceted and often occurs in volatile environments where humanitarian operations are already stretched to their limits. Access to affected populations is frequently compromised, leading to critical delays in the delivery of food, water, shelter, and medical supplies. This obstruction directly translates into preventable suffering and loss of life.
The Under-Secretary-General emphasized that such attacks are a clear violation of international humanitarian law, which mandates the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers in times of conflict and crisis. He reiterated the fundamental principles of humanitarian action – humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence – and stressed that these principles must be respected by all parties to any conflict.
Mr. Griffiths’ appeal for solidarity is a call to action for the international community to reinforce its commitment to humanitarian principles and to ensure the protection of those on the frontlines of saving lives. This includes advocating for greater respect for international humanitarian law, holding perpetrators of attacks accountable, and supporting robust security measures for aid operations.
The global humanitarian community, comprised of thousands of dedicated individuals from diverse backgrounds, works tirelessly to alleviate human suffering in some of the world’s most challenging circumstances. Their work is often carried out in areas with limited infrastructure, ongoing violence, and complex political landscapes. Attacks against them are not only cowardly but also represent an assault on our shared humanity and our collective responsibility to care for those in need.
As the world grapples with numerous interconnected crises, the need for effective and unhindered humanitarian assistance has never been greater. Mr. Griffiths’ message serves as a powerful reminder that the safety and effectiveness of humanitarian action depend on the collective commitment of governments, international organizations, and civil society to uphold the principles of protection and respect for those who dedicate their lives to helping others. The call for solidarity is a call for renewed vigilance and a steadfast resolve to ensure that humanitarian workers can continue their vital mission without fear.
UN relief chief calls for solidarity, with humanitarians ‘literally under attack’
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