Story perspectives

UN Reports Humanitarian Worker Deaths Tripled Since 2023

4/9/2026

Summary

UN Urges Worker Safety

The United Nations reports over 1,000 humanitarian workers killed from 2023 to 2025, nearly tripling the three-year total.
Most fatalities occurred in Gaza and the West Bank, with deaths in Sudan and South Sudan.
United Nations Under-Secretary-General Tom Fletcher criticized lack of enforcement of international humanitarian law and restrictions on aid workers.
He cited detentions in Yemen and bans on female staff in Afghanistan and urged states to protect personnel.

History

Historical Context

Adopted on October 31, 2000, United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 marked a pivotal shift in recognizing the unique impact of armed conflict on women and girls. It called for their protection and participation in peace processes, leading to subsequent resolutions addressing sexual violence and gender equality. The ongoing crises in Gaza, Sudan, and Afghanistan underscore the urgent need for states to uphold these protections, as violations continue to threaten humanitarian efforts.

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UN Urges Worker Safety

The United Nations reports over 1,000 humanitarian workers killed from 2023 to 2025, nearly tripling the three-year total.
Most fatalities occurred in Gaza and the West Bank, with deaths in Sudan and South Sudan.
United Nations Under-Secretary-General Tom Fletcher criticized lack of enforcement of international humanitarian law and restrictions on aid workers.
He cited detentions in Yemen and bans on female staff in Afghanistan and urged states to protect personnel.

1 / 2