At least 350 humanitarian workers lost their lives globally last year, marking another year of heightened violence against aid workers, as reported by the United Nations. The UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) revealed that the death toll in 2025 decreased slightly from the previous year, which saw the highest number of fatalities on record with 387 aid workers killed worldwide.
In addition to the fatalities, 322 aid workers were injured in attacks, and 235 were kidnapped in 2025, according to 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 position as the most dangerous context for aid workers for the third consecutive year, with 186 fatalities last year during Israel’s conflict in the Palestinian enclave, according to OCHA. Additionally, 71 aid workers lost their lives in Sudan in 2025 amidst a civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
UN’s humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, expressed deep concern over the unacceptable toll of more than 1,000 aid worker deaths in just three years. He emphasized the importance of upholding international humanitarian law and implementing measures to protect civilians and aid workers, with significant consequences for those violating the rules.
As of this year, 82 aid workers have been killed, 97 injured, and 39 kidnapped, according to OCHA. The UN also raised alarm over the increasing use of armed drones in conflict zones, citing instances of drone attacks causing civilian casualties in Sudan and Ukraine.
Overall, the use of weaponized drones poses a significant threat to civilian lives, with Fletcher underscoring the urgent need to address this evolving danger.