World Humanitarian Day Highlights Rising Threats to Aid Workers

• The United Nations is observing World Humanitarian Day today, focusing on the alarming increase in attacks on aid workers globally.
• Last year was the deadliest on record for humanitarian workers, with 280 aid workers killed, primarily in conflict zones like Gaza.
• As of early August this year, 172 aid workers have already lost their lives.
• The UN and its partners are calling for stronger protections for those delivering critical aid in dangerous regions.
• The international community is urged to enforce protections under international law to ensure the safety of humanitarian workers.

New York, August 19 (FFN) – The United Nations is marking World Humanitarian Day today with a focus on the escalating dangers faced by aid workers around the world. Last year was particularly deadly, with 280 humanitarian workers killed, a significant number in conflict zones such as Gaza. This year is proving no less dangerous, with 172 aid workers already killed by early August.

In light of these alarming figures, the UN and its partners are emphasizing the urgent need for stronger protections for those providing essential humanitarian assistance in the most perilous regions. The rising death toll highlights the critical importance of enforcing the protections afforded to humanitarian workers under international law.

As conflicts persist globally, the safety of those on the front lines of humanitarian efforts remains in jeopardy. On World Humanitarian Day, the UN is calling on governments, armed groups, and all parties involved in conflicts to prioritize the safety of aid workers, ensuring they can carry out their life-saving work without fear of violence.

The day serves as a reminder to honor the sacrifices of those who have lost their lives in the line of duty and to take meaningful action to protect those who continue to serve in the world’s most dangerous regions.

World Humanitarian Day: Key Facts