2024 Declared Deadliest Year for Aid Workers: UN 

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New York: The year 2024 has become the deadliest on record for humanitarian workers, with 281 killed globally, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). 

The alarming figures, released on Friday, highlight the growing risks faced by aid workers, particularly in Gaza, where the ongoing conflict has driven the surge in casualties.

“Humanitarian workers are being killed at an unprecedented rate, their courage and humanity being met with bullets and bombs,” said Tom Fletcher, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator. He described the escalating violence as “unconscionable” and a severe blow to aid operations worldwide.

The conflict in Gaza, exacerbated by Israel’s military campaign since October 7, 2023, accounts for the highest number of fatalities. At least 333 humanitarian workers have been killed, with the majority being staff from the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

“This month alone, 10 national staff were killed in Gaza,” OCHA spokesperson Jens Laerke revealed during a briefing in Geneva. He emphasized that 268 national staff and 13 international staff from various organizations, including NGOs and the Red Crescent, are among the victims.

Global Impact on Aid Workers

The dangers facing humanitarian workers extend beyond Gaza. Countries like Sudan, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Lebanon, and South Sudan have reported increased levels of violence, kidnappings, injuries, harassment, and arbitrary detentions targeting aid personnel.

“Despite these risks, aid workers continue their courageous and selfless missions, delivering vital assistance in some of the most volatile regions,” Laerke said. With 2024 not yet over, the death toll has already surpassed last year’s record of 280 fatalities.

Broader Civilian Impacts

The violence against humanitarian workers reflects a broader trend of escalating harm in conflict zones. More than 33,000 civilians have been killed in 14 armed conflicts this year, marking a 72% increase from 2022.

“Being national humanitarian staff does not make them foreigners to us—it makes them colleagues and often friends,” Laerke stressed. “They represent the best of humanity, and they are being killed in record numbers.”

UN Calls for Action

In response, the UN Security Council has adopted Resolution 2730 (2024), mandating the Secretary-General to propose measures to prevent attacks on aid workers and enhance their protection. These recommendations will be presented on November 26.

“States and parties to conflict must protect humanitarians, uphold international law, prosecute those responsible, and put an end to this era of impunity,” Fletcher concluded.

Despite the dangers, humanitarian organizations reached nearly 144 million people in need last year, underscoring their resilience and commitment to providing aid in the face of mounting challenges.