What's happened
The UN reported a record 280 aid workers were killed globally in 2023, with over half during the early months of the Israel-Hamas conflict. This year is on track for even higher fatalities, raising urgent calls for accountability and protection for humanitarian workers.
What's behind the headline?
Rising Fatalities
- 280 aid workers killed in 2023, a 137% increase from 2022.
- Over half of these deaths occurred in the first three months of the Israel-Hamas war.
Implications for Humanitarian Efforts
- The normalization of violence against aid workers threatens global humanitarian operations.
- Calls for enhanced protection and accountability are growing among humanitarian leaders.
Future Outlook
- If current trends continue, 2024 may see even higher death tolls among aid workers.
- The international community must act to prevent further escalation and protect civilians and aid personnel.
What the papers say
According to Al Jazeera, the UN's OCHA reported that more than half of the 280 aid workers killed in 2023 died in the first three months of the Israel-Gaza conflict, primarily due to airstrikes. Joyce Msuya, the UN's acting emergency relief coordinator, emphasized the 'unacceptable' normalization of violence against aid workers, stating that it is 'enormously harmful for aid operations everywhere.' The Independent echoed these concerns, noting that the death toll in Gaza includes 207 UNRWA staff members, highlighting the severe impact of the conflict on humanitarian efforts. The Japan Times also reported on the UN's condemnation of violence against humanitarian workers, reinforcing the urgent need for accountability and protection measures.
How we got here
The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has significantly impacted humanitarian operations, leading to unprecedented violence against aid workers. The UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has highlighted the alarming trend of increasing fatalities among aid personnel.
Go deeper
- What measures are being taken to protect aid workers?
- How has the Israel-Hamas conflict affected humanitarian efforts?
- What can be done to hold perpetrators accountable?
More on these topics
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The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.
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Joyce Msuya is a Tanzanian microbiologist and environmental scientist, who serves as the Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme at the level of Assistant Secretary-General.