281 aid workers killed globally this year, says OCHA

KABUL (Pajhwok): The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) says at least 281 aid workers have been killed globally so far during the current year.

For humanitarian workers, the current year was the “deadliest on record”, OCHA said in a statement on Friday.

It said threats to humanitarian workers had been reported in Gaza, Ukraine, Afghanistan, South Sudan and Yemen.

“Humanitarian workers are being killed at an unprecedented rate, their courage and humanity being met with bullets and bombs,” said UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher.

“This violence is unconscionable and devastating to aid operations,” he added.

The organistaion stressed states and parties to conflict must protect humanitarians, uphold international law, prosecute those responsible and call time on this era of impunity.

OCHA added the war in Gaza had driven the surge in casualties, with at least 333 humanitarian personnel killed since October 7, 2023.

Most were staff members of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

Despite these challenges and dangers, humanitarian organisations continue to deliver vital assistance, reaching nearly 144 million people in need last year.

kk/mud