The year 2024 has been declared the worst on record for the deaths of global aid workers, with 281 fatalities reported so far, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
\"Humanitarian workers are being killed at an unprecedented rate, their courage and humanity being met with bullets and bombs,\" stated Tom Fletcher, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator.
OCHA highlighted that the previous year, 2023, saw 280 aid workers lose their lives across 33 countries. Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, expressed sorrow over the new record, noting that \"it isn't even December.\"
Since October 7, 2023, more than 320 humanitarian personnel have been killed in Gaza, many of whom were with the UN relief agency for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA.
Throughout the year, local staff from non-governmental organizations, UN agencies, and the Red Cross/Red Crescent movement have been the majority of those killed.
High levels of violence, kidnappings, injuries, harassment, and arbitrary detentions of aid workers have been reported in countries like Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, Sudan, Ukraine, and Yemen.
OCHA noted that violence against aid workers reflects a broader trend of increasing civilian casualties in conflict zones, with over 33,000 civilian deaths in 14 armed conflicts last year—a 72 percent rise from 2022.
Despite the dangers, relief organizations have continued their vital work, reaching nearly 144 million people in need and supporting over 116 million worldwide.
The UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2730 in May to address the growing violence and threats against humanitarian workers, mandating the UN Secretary-General to recommend measures to prevent and respond to such incidents, enhance accountability, and improve protection for humanitarian personnel and assets.
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UN: 2024 is worst year on record for deaths of global aid workers
cgtn.com
