Last year, a total of 350 humanitarian workers lost their lives worldwide, 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 previous year, which saw the highest number of deaths on record with 387 aid workers killed globally.
In addition to the fatalities, 322 aid workers were injured in attacks in 2025, with 235 others being kidnapped, as per the Aid Worker Security Database. UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the increasing dangers faced by those serving others in a video message on World Humanitarian Day.
The Gaza Strip maintained its status as the most perilous environment for aid workers for the third consecutive year, with 186 fatalities reported last year during Israel’s conflict in the Palestinian enclave, as highlighted by OCHA. Sudan also witnessed significant risks, with 71 aid workers losing their lives in the ongoing civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
UN’s humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, expressed deep concern over the escalating violence, stating that over 1,000 aid workers have been killed in the past three years, labeling the situation as completely unacceptable. He stressed the importance of upholding international humanitarian law and enforcing consequences for those violating these laws to ensure the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers.
OCHA disclosed that 82 aid workers have been killed, 97 injured, and 39 kidnapped so far this year. The UN also raised alarms regarding the use of armed drones in conflict zones, citing their lethal impact on civilians. Drone attacks in Sudan and Ukraine have caused a significant number of civilian casualties, prompting concerns over the indiscriminate targeting of non-combatants.
In conclusion, the safety of aid workers remains a critical issue globally, requiring urgent action to mitigate risks and protect those providing essential humanitarian assistance.