The United Nations has sounded the alarm on the escalating violence against aid workers, with a staggering 137 per cent increase in deaths in 2023 compared to the previous year.
The majority of these fatalities occurred during the first three months of Israel’s war on Gaza, with 280 aid workers killed worldwide, including 207 UNRWA staff members.
The UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned that 2024 may be on track for an even deadlier outcome, with 172 aid workers killed as of August 7.
The agency attributed the rise in deaths mainly to Israeli air attacks in Gaza between October and December last year.
Marking World Humanitarian Day, leaders of humanitarian organizations are urging UN member states to take action to end attacks on civilians, enhance protection for aid workers, and ensure accountability for perpetrators.
The UN’s acting emergency relief coordinator, Joyce Msuya, condemned the normalization of violence against aid workers and the lack of accountability, demanding that those in power take action to end violations against civilians and impunity.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini echoed these sentiments, calling for an end to impunity and justice for perpetrators.
The alarming surge in aid worker deaths highlights the urgent need for protection and accountability in conflict zones.
The situation is particularly dire in Gaza, where UNRWA has reported the loss of 207 staff members since the beginning of the war in October last year.
The head of UNRWA, emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “There have been way too many of them since the war started 10 months ago.
At least 289 aid workers, including 207 UNRWA team members and 885 health workers, have lost their lives.”
The UN’s call for action comes as violence continues to escalate in other parts of the world, including Sudan and South Sudan, where aid workers have also been killed.
The protection of aid workers and civilians is paramount, and those responsible for violations must be held accountable.
The UN’s report serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by aid workers and the need for sustained support and protection.
As the situation continues to unfold, the international community must come together to ensure that those who risk their lives to help others are not forgotten.
