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 that the death toll decreased slightly from the previous year, which saw a record-breaking 387 aid workers killed globally. Alongside the fatalities, 322 aid workers sustained injuries in attacks, and 235 were abducted in 2025, as reported by the Aid Worker Security Database.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the increased 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 in 2025 due to the conflict in the region. Additionally, Sudan witnessed the loss of 71 aid workers last year amid an ongoing civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces since 2023.
Tom Fletcher, the UN’s humanitarian chief, expressed deep concern over the escalating violence, stating that over 1,000 aid workers have been killed in the past three years, calling it unacceptable. Fletcher stressed the need for states to uphold international humanitarian law and take necessary measures to safeguard civilians and humanitarian workers. He emphasized the importance of enforcing consequences for those violating these laws to ensure protection for aid workers.
As of this year, OCHA reported that 82 aid workers have already been killed, with 97 injured and 39 abducted. The UN also highlighted the alarming use of armed drones in conflict zones, citing instances in Sudan and Ukraine where drones were responsible for significant civilian casualties. Fletcher condemned the use of weaponized drones, labeling them as a modern threat to civilian lives through deliberate or reckless actions.
The UN’s call for greater protection for aid workers and civilians in conflict zones underscores the urgent need for international cooperation and adherence to humanitarian law to prevent further loss of life.