With Gaza at the Heart of the Crisis, 2024 Becomes the Deadliest Year for Aid Workers

The year 2024 has surpassed previous records as the deadliest year for humanitarian aid workers, with 281 confirmed fatalities globally, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). This tragic high exceeded the previous year’s toll of 280 aid worker fatalities.

Israeli Military Aggression Drives Surge in Aid Worker Deaths

A significant portion of these deaths results from the ongoing violence in Gaza. Since October 2023, Israeli military aggression has killed more than 320 humanitarian workers.

Many of these victims served on the front lines, providing critical assistance through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). As they deliver humanitarian aid, hostile environments increasingly threaten these workers.

Jens Laerke, a spokesperson for OCHA, condemned the attacks on aid personnel, calling them a “grim milestone” for the humanitarian community.

However, the dangers that aid workers face are not confined to Gaza. Violence against humanitarian personnel has spread to other global hotspots, including Afghanistan, Ukraine, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Yemen.

According to OCHA, 280 aid workers died in 2023 across 33 countries. This highlights a troubling trend of rising violence in conflict regions. The vast majority of these fatalities involved local staff, underscoring the particular vulnerability of national workers in these zones.

International Calls for Stronger Protection

Tom Fletcher, the UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, has repeatedly called for stronger protections for aid workers. He has also urged greater accountability for those who target them.

“Humanitarian workers are being killed at an unprecedented rate; their courage met with bullets and bombs,” Fletcher said.

He emphasized the need for governments to uphold international law and prosecute those responsible for attacking aid personnel. The UN continues to stress that these violent acts undermine the essential work to help millions in need.

Despite the risks, humanitarian organizations remain resolute. Last year, they reached nearly 144 million people worldwide with vital assistance. As of November 2024, they have supported over 116 million individuals.

However, escalating violence poses a serious threat to these operations. Aid workers increasingly face not only physical harm but also the risk of kidnapping, harassment, and arbitrary detention in various regions.

UN Security Council’s Efforts to Protect Aid Workers

In response to the growing threats against aid personnel, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2730 in May 2024. The resolution mandates the Secretary-General to recommend enhanced protection measures and strategies for accountability.

These efforts aim to ensure that humanitarian workers can continue their critical work without fear of violence. They will be presented at a Security Council meeting on Nov. 26, 2024.

As the number of fatalities continues to rise, it becomes ever more urgent for international bodies and governments to step up their efforts to safeguard humanitarian workers, whose contributions remain vital in the face of growing global crises.

You can also support their lifesaving work by donating to Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders).

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