Violence Against Humanitarian Workers
The United Nations condemned the increasing violence against humanitarian workers, calling it “unacceptable.” In 2023, 280 humanitarian workers were killed worldwide, marking a record fueled by conflicts such as the war in Gaza. Joyce Msuya from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) highlighted the normalization of violence against humanitarian workers and the lack of accountability, emphasizing the danger it poses to humanitarian operations.
Deadliest Conflicts for Humanitarians
The year 2023 saw a tragic toll on humanitarian workers, with over half of the deaths occurring in Gaza during the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Other deadly conflicts included those in South Sudan, Sudan, Israel, Syria, Ethiopia, Ukraine, Somalia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Myanmar. The numbers for 2024 are already alarming, with an increasing trend in violence against aid workers already recorded.
International Action Needed
In response to the escalating violence, humanitarian organizations are urging UN member states to take action to protect civilians and aid workers, holding perpetrators accountable. A joint letter is being sent to UN members, demanding an end to attacks on civilians and the protection of humanitarian workers. The public is encouraged to support this campaign through the #ActforHumanity hashtag on social media.
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