2024 becomes deadliest on record for humanitarian personnel: UN Relief Chief
2024: A Tragic Year for Humanitarian Workers
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported that 2024 has become the deadliest year on record for humanitarian personnel. According to the Aid Worker Security Database, 281 aid workers have lost their lives globally, surpassing previous records.
Unprecedented Violence Against Humanitarians
Tom Fletcher, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, expressed deep concern over the increasing violence against aid workers. He stated, "Humanitarian workers are being killed at an unprecedented rate, their courage and humanity being met with bullets and bombs." Fletcher urged states and conflict parties to protect humanitarians, uphold international law, and hold perpetrators accountable.
Impact of Global Conflicts
The year 2023 also witnessed a high number of fatalities, with 280 aid workers killed across 33 countries. The ongoing war in Gaza has significantly contributed to these numbers, with over 320 humanitarian personnel killed since October 7, 2023. Many of these individuals were providing essential aid and were part of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
Global Threats to Aid Workers
Beyond Gaza, aid workers face threats in countries like Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, Sudan, Ukraine, and Yemen. These threats include violence, kidnappings, injuries, harassment, and arbitrary detention. Most fatalities involve local staff working with non-governmental organizations, UN agencies, and the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement.
Broader Impact on Civilians
Violence against humanitarian personnel is part of a larger trend of harm to civilians in conflict zones. In the previous year, over 33,000 civilian deaths were recorded in 14 armed conflicts, marking a 72 percent increase from 2022.
Doubts Revealed
United Nations (UN)
The United Nations is an international organization made up of countries from around the world. It works to promote peace, security, and cooperation among nations.
Humanitarian Workers
Humanitarian workers are people who help others in need, especially during emergencies like wars or natural disasters. They provide food, shelter, medical care, and other support to those affected.
Tom Fletcher
Tom Fletcher is a person who works for the United Nations. He is involved in making sure that humanitarian workers are safe and that their work is recognized and protected.
Gaza
Gaza is a small region located in the Middle East, near Israel and Egypt. It has been a place of conflict for many years, affecting the people who live there and those who try to help them.
Afghanistan
Afghanistan is a country in South Asia that has experienced many years of conflict and war. This has made it difficult for people to live safely and for humanitarian workers to help them.
Yemen
Yemen is a country in the Middle East that has been facing a severe humanitarian crisis due to ongoing conflict. Many people there need help with food, water, and medical care.
Conflict Zones
Conflict zones are areas where there is fighting or war happening. These places are often dangerous for both the people living there and those trying to help them.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *