The United Nations reported that at least 350 humanitarian workers were killed globally last year, marking another tragic year for violence against aid workers. The UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) revealed that the death toll in 2025 decreased slightly from the previous year’s record high of 387 aid workers killed.
In addition to the fatalities, 322 aid workers were injured in attacks, and 235 were kidnapped in 2025, according to the Aid Worker Security Database. UN Secretary General António Guterres expressed concern over the increasing dangers faced by those serving in humanitarian roles, emphasizing the risks involved.
The Gaza Strip was identified as the most perilous area for aid workers for the third consecutive year, with 186 workers losing their lives amidst the conflict in the region. Sudan also experienced significant violence against aid workers, with 71 workers killed in the ongoing civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
UN’s humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, condemned the alarming trend, stating that over 1,000 aid workers had been killed in the past three years, calling it unacceptable. He emphasized the importance of upholding international humanitarian law and ensuring accountability for those who violate it.
As of the current year, OCHA reported that 82 aid workers have been killed, 97 injured, and 39 kidnapped. The UN raised concerns regarding the use of armed drones in conflict zones, highlighting their destructive impact on civilian populations. Fletcher warned that weaponized drones pose a significant threat to civilian lives and must be addressed urgently.
