Record 280 Aid Workers Killed in Conflicts Throughout 2023

On August 19, the United Nations reported a grim milestone in the humanitarian sector: 280 aid workers lost their lives globally in 2023. This staggering figure marks the highest number on record for fatalities among those dedicated to helping others, announced U.N. officials on World Humanitarian Day.

The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) revealed that these fatalities occurred across 33 countries, representing a shocking 137% increase from the 118 aid workers killed in 2022.

Joyce Msuya, the acting under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator at OCHA, condemned the increasing violence against aid workers. She described the situation as “unacceptable, unconscionable, and enormously harmful for aid operations worldwide.”

Msuya further called for urgent action, stating, “Today, we reiterate our demand that people in power act to end violations against civilians and the impunity with which these heinous attacks are committed.”

The U.N.’s Aid Worker Security Database highlighted that over half of the aid worker deaths in 2023 occurred between October and December, coinciding with the onset of the war between Israel and Hamas.

The report also pointed to escalating violence in Sudan and South Sudan as contributing factors to the rising death toll of humanitarian workers. Additionally, the ongoing civil war in Yemen, marked by the conflict between the recognized government and Houthi rebels, was recognized as another significant source of danger for aid workers.

OCHA did not shy away from expressing concern about the future, warning that 2024 could potentially be even more perilous. As of August 7, 172 aid workers had already been killed this year.

On this World Humanitarian Day, aid workers and their supporters around the globe came together through various events to show solidarity and draw attention to the harrowing impact of armed conflicts on humanitarian staff. The OCHA emphasized the importance of acknowledging this toll and the risks faced by those who work relentlessly under challenging and dangerous conditions.