At least 350 humanitarian workers lost their lives worldwide last year, marking another tragic year for violence against aid workers, according to the United Nations. The UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported a slight decrease in the death toll from the previous year, which saw the highest number of casualties on record with 387 aid workers killed globally.
In addition to the fatalities, at least 322 aid workers were wounded in attacks in 2025, with 235 others being kidnapped, as per data from the Aid Worker Security Database. UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted the increasing dangers faced by those serving others, emphasizing the need for urgent action on World Humanitarian Day.
The Gaza Strip retained its status as the most dangerous area for aid workers for the third straight year, with 186 killed last year during Israel’s conflict in the Palestinian enclave, as reported by OCHA. Sudan also witnessed significant violence, with 71 aid workers losing their lives in the ongoing civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
UN’s humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, expressed deep concern over the escalating attacks on aid workers, stressing the imperative for strict adherence to international humanitarian law and the implementation of measures to safeguard civilians and humanitarian personnel.
As of the current year, OCHA has documented the deaths of 82 aid workers, along with 97 injuries and 39 abductions. Additionally, the UN has raised alarms regarding the increasing use of armed drones in conflict zones, citing their role in civilian casualties in regions like Sudan and Ukraine. Fletcher warned against the devastating impact of weaponized drones on civilian populations, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability and protection for aid workers operating in dangerous environments.