New York, NY, August 19, 2024 —  This year, the humanitarian community has experienced extraordinary challenges. All over the world, humanitarian workers continue to operate under extremely volatile conditions, putting their lives at risk daily to deliver essential services to people in need.

In Gaza, aid workers and health workers face extreme danger. According to the Aid Worker Security Database (AWSD), 284 aid workers have been killed in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) since October - exceeding the total killed globally in any single year since the AWSD started tracking in 1997. Humanitarian workers continue to face severe constraints in South Sudan, Sudan, and Mali, with high incidences of violence as they try to reach the most vulnerable people and communities.

These dedicated individuals underscore the critical role of humanitarian efforts in crises. But the normalisation of attacks on humanitarian workers and civilian suffering highlight the urgent need for greater protection and respect for humanitarian missions.

Ciaran Donnelly, the IRC’s Senior Vice President, Crisis Response, Recovery, and Development: 

“Considering the record number of humanitarian and health worker fatalities in 2023 and 2024, adherence to international humanitarian law is more critical than ever. 2023 marked the deadliest year on record for humanitarian workers, and 2024 is on track to be even worse. The world is failing humanitarian workers, and by extension, the people and communities they serve. 

“Humanitarian workers are not and should never be a target. Our profession is to provide assistance and support to the most vulnerable populations affected by conflict and disaster, driven by the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence.

“Governments and all parties to conflicts must take concrete actions to safeguard the lives of those who commit themselves to helping others - often at great personal risk. The safety and security of aid workers are essential to maintaining the humanitarian lifeline that so many depend on for survival.”