Record 383 Aid Workers Killed Globally in 2024, UN Reports
A record 383 aid workers were killed in global hotspots in 2024, with nearly half of the deaths occurring in Gaza during the Israel-Hamas war, according to the UN.
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Overview
- A record 383 aid workers were killed in global hotspots during 2024, marking a significant increase in violence against humanitarian personnel worldwide.
- Nearly half of these tragic deaths, specifically over 180, occurred in Gaza amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, highlighting the extreme dangers in the region.
- The United Nations reported these figures, noting that most of the deceased were national staff members, often attacked while working or in their homes.
- Violence against aid workers escalated in 21 countries in 2024, with 245 major attacks reported over the past seven months, leading to a surge in casualties.
- Beyond fatalities, the UN also documented a record number of aid workers who were wounded, kidnapped, or detained in various global hotspots throughout the year.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover this story neutrally by focusing on reporting the facts and figures released by the UN humanitarian office and the Aid Worker Security Database. They present the record number of aid worker deaths and the significant impact in Gaza without adding editorial commentary or biased language. The article primarily serves to convey the UN's findings and calls for accountability.
"A record 383 aid workers were killed in global hotspots in 2024, nearly half of them in Gaza during the war between Israel and Hamas, the U.N. humanitarian office said Tuesday on the annual day honoring the thousands of people who step into crises to help others."
NPR"The record number of killings must be a wake-up call to protect civilians caught in conflict and all those trying to help them."
ABC NewsArticles (3)
FAQ
In addition to Gaza, Sudan has seen a significant increase in aid worker fatalities, with 60 deaths reported in 2024. Violence against aid workers increased in at least 21 countries worldwide, with a total of 245 major attacks over the first seven months of 2024.
The majority of aid workers killed in 2024 were national staff members, often serving their own communities in conflict zones. They were frequently attacked while working or even at their homes, highlighting the extreme risks they face locally.
The most common causes of death among aid workers are shootings and airstrikes, with road travel also posing a significant risk. Kidnapping is another serious threat, although most hostages are eventually released through negotiations.
The Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza heavily contributed to the surge in aid worker deaths in 2024, accounting for nearly half of the total fatalities. Over 180 aid workers were killed there during the conflict, marking it as the deadliest single crisis for humanitarian personnel that year.
Violence against aid workers has increased sharply over recent years, with 2024 becoming the deadliest year on record. The number of aid workers killed annually has risen from an average of around 127 between 2013-2018 to 383 in 2024, with attacks escalating in multiple countries worldwide.
History
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