A Record-Shattering Year: UN Reports 383 Aid Workers Killed in 2024, Half in Gaza
A Record-Shattering Year: UN Reports 383 Aid Workers Killed in 2024, Half in Gaza
According to a new report from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), a record 383 aid workers were killed in global conflicts and crises in 2024, marking a 31% surge in deaths compared to the previous year. The report was released on World Humanitarian Day to honor those who risk their lives to help others.
Here's a detailed breakdown of the report's findings:
Gaza as a Primary Driver: The conflict in Gaza was the most dangerous location for aid workers, with 181 humanitarian personnel killed in the Palestinian territory. This staggering figure accounts for nearly half of the global total for the year.
Other High-Risk Zones: Following Gaza, the deadliest country for aid workers was Sudan, where the ongoing civil war resulted in 60 deaths. Other regions with significant tolls included Lebanon (20 deaths), Ethiopia (14 deaths), Syria (14 deaths), and Ukraine (13 deaths).
Attacks Beyond Fatalities: The report also documented a sharp increase in other attacks. In 2024, 308 aid workers were wounded, 125 were kidnapped, and 45 were detained.
Who Is Being Targeted: The overwhelming majority of the aid workers killed were national staff—local individuals serving their own communities. Many were attacked while performing their duties or even in their own homes.
Lack of Accountability: The UN humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, described the figures and the widespread lack of accountability as a "shameful indictment of international inaction and apathy." He noted that state actors were the most common perpetrators of these attacks.
A Continuing Trend: Preliminary data for 2025 shows no sign of the trend slowing down, with an additional 265 aid workers already killed this year as of mid-August. The UN stresses that attacks on aid workers are a violation of international humanitarian law.
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