2024 Deadliest Year Ever for Aid Workers, UN Humanitarian Office Reports
November 22, 2024
New York – A new report released today by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has revealed that 2024 has been the deadliest year ever for humanitarian aid workers.
Key Findings
According to the report, 516 aid workers were killed, kidnapped, or seriously injured in 2024, the highest number since OCHA began tracking these incidents in 1997. This represents a 45% increase compared to 2023.
Of the reported incidents, 183 aid workers were killed, 201 were kidnapped, and 132 were seriously injured. The majority of these attacks (70%) occurred in conflict zones, with Afghanistan, Syria, and South Sudan being the deadliest countries for aid workers.
Factors Contributing to the Surge
OCHA attributed the surge in attacks against aid workers to several factors, including:
- Escalation of conflicts: 2024 saw an escalation of armed conflicts in several countries, exposing aid workers to increased risks.
- Targeting of aid workers: In some cases, aid workers were specifically targeted by armed groups because of their perceived affiliation with governments or other organizations.
- Collapse of law and order: The breakdown of law and order in conflict-affected areas created a sanctuary for criminal groups, further endangering aid workers.
- Political polarization: Humanitarian operations have become increasingly politicized, making aid workers more vulnerable to attacks by parties seeking to exploit political tensions.
Impact on Humanitarian Operations
The increasing violence against aid workers has had a severe impact on humanitarian operations worldwide. Many organizations have been forced to suspend or reduce their operations in high-risk areas, leaving vulnerable populations without essential services.
“These attacks are not only a tragedy for the victims and their families but also a threat to the entire humanitarian enterprise,” said Martin Griffiths, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator.
Call for Action
OCHA has called on all parties to armed conflicts to respect international humanitarian law and protect aid workers. The report also urges governments to investigate and prosecute those responsible for attacks against aid workers.
“We must do everything we can to ensure that aid workers can continue to provide life-saving assistance to those who need it most,” Griffiths said.
Additional Information
- The report is based on data collected by OCHA’s Aid Worker Security Database, which tracks security incidents involving humanitarian and development workers worldwide.
- The database includes incidents involving aid workers from all sectors, including NGOs, UN agencies, and local humanitarian organizations.
- OCHA works closely with governments, armed groups, and local communities to improve the safety and security of aid workers.
2024 deadliest year ever for aid workers, UN humanitarian office reports
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