At least 350 humanitarian workers lost their lives globally last year, marking another tragic year for violence against aid workers, according to the United Nations. The UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported a slight decrease in fatalities compared to the record-breaking year of 2024 when 387 aid workers were killed worldwide.
In addition to the fatalities, 322 aid workers sustained injuries in attacks in 2025, while 235 were abducted, as per data from the Aid Worker Security Database. UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the escalating risks faced by those serving others in a video message on World Humanitarian Day.
The Gaza Strip retained its status as the most dangerous area for aid workers for the third consecutive year, with 186 fatalities recorded last year during Israel’s conflict in the Palestinian enclave, as stated by OCHA. Sudan also witnessed a significant toll, with 71 aid workers losing their lives in 2025 due to the ongoing civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces since 2023.
Expressing concern, the UN’s humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, condemned the unacceptable loss of over 1,000 aid workers in just three years. He stressed the imperative for states to adhere to international humanitarian laws and enforce measures to safeguard civilians and humanitarian workers, with a call for accountability for those violating these laws.
As of the current year, OCHA reported that 82 aid workers have been killed, 97 injured, and 39 kidnapped. The UN also highlighted the disturbing trend of the use of armed drones in conflict zones, citing instances in Sudan and Ukraine where civilian casualties resulted from drone attacks. Fletcher warned against the escalating threat posed by weaponized drones targeting civilian populations.
Overall, the safety and security of aid workers remain a critical concern, necessitating concerted efforts to protect those risking their lives to provide humanitarian assistance.
[Original Source: CBC News]