New York, August 24, 2025, 03:19 PM PKT — The United Nations has issued an urgent call for global action to protect humanitarian workers amid a record 245 major attacks this year. This appeal underscores the escalating dangers faced by aid workers in conflict zones worldwide.
Record Violence Against Humanitarian Workers
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is leading this appeal due to rising violence in hotspots such as Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine. Attacks on aid workers have become increasingly frequent and deadly, reaching shocking levels.
OCHA’s Assistant Secretary-General Joyce Msuya addressed the UN Security Council with alarming statistics on the safety of humanitarian workers. She noted that 95% of attacks in 2024 targeted local aid workers.
In Gaza alone, over 900 deaths at aid sites were reported, marking one of the deadliest periods for humanitarian personnel in recent history.
Growing Security Risks for Field Personnel
“Being shot at is not part of our job,” Msuya told APP, referring to the Aid Worker Security Database. Her statement highlights the daily risks humanitarian workers face while providing essential aid to vulnerable populations.
The database offers comprehensive tracking of global incidents involving aid personnel, with 2025 data showing a significant increase in violence against those offering relief in active conflict zones.
UN Demands Stronger Enforcement of International Law
The UN advocates for the strict enforcement of international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions of 1949, intended to safeguard humanitarian workers in conflict areas.
The resolution demands accountability from state and non-state actors violating these protections. Key issues include:
- Armed forces attacking aid convoys
- Militant groups targeting humanitarian sites
- Entities obstructing humanitarian operations
Tenfold Increase in Attacks Since 1990s
Humanitarian Outcomes reported a tenfold surge in attacks since the 1990s, noting an increased involvement of state-led militaries. This shift marks a significant change from past patterns, where non-state actors were the main culprits.
Msuya called for global cooperation to restore respect for humanitarian law, emphasizing the importance of protecting aid workers to maintain humanitarian access to crisis-afflicted communities.
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