Honouring Aid Workers This World Humanitarian Day

This World Humanitarian Day, we’re paying tribute to our fellow aid workers who dedicate their lives to helping those facing the most unimaginable violence, hunger, and displacement, as well as those who not only dedicated their lives, but lost their lives while doing so. Since the beginning of last year, at least 456 humanitarian aid workers have been killed in the line of duty across 33 countries, with another 472 wounded or kidnapped – Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Illahi Rajioon.  
 

2023 was the deadliest on record for humanitarian aid workers across the world with this year appearing to follow the same deadly trend. New data shows that fatal attacks on such workers have increased by 400% in the past two decades, a statistic almost impossible to comprehend when helping the world’s most vulnerable communitieis the only thing they’re guilty of. 
 

Attacks on our brothers and sisters volunteering and working to aid the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza account for more than half of the fatalities – Subhan'Allah! So far, at least 286, humanitarian aid workers have been killed whilst trying to relieve the struggles of Gaza’s displaced, starving population. Relentless bombardment from air and land has transformed Gaza into the deadliest place on earth to deliver aid, with schools, hospitals, bakeries, supply warehouses, and hospitals being targets for devastating destruction.  
 

Just weeks ago, the world stopped in silence to share thoughts and prayers for the seven World Food Kitchen staff who were killed in their clearly branded car after being hit by an air strike in Gaza - selfless souls who were taken while trying to feed starving families. UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine, has reported 205 deaths of their staff and volunteers in Gaza since 7th October. May we forever remember them and honour their legacy by continuing in their footsteps and standing by humanity. 
 

Although the most dangerous statistically, Gaza isn’t the only place where the lives of humanitarian aid workers are under threat. Sudan and South Sudan rank second ithe most dangerous places to deliver aid. Since the most recent bout of war broke across Sudan in April 2023, 37 aid workers have been reported killed, with dozens more assaulted. 
 

Humanitarian aid workers are protected under international law and attacks on such personnel and their premises and assets are highly illegal and morally wrong, yet we appear to see more and more breaches of these laws with little to no accountability. More must be done by our international community to protect the lives of those who dedicate theirs to aiding others. The humanitarian community needs our support, advocacy and solidarity today and every day.  
 

As deadly attacks rise to a record level, we must do all we can to protect humanitarian workers, show support for our collective mission and stand up to atrocities across the world.  
 

Our mission to help support those in need in Gaza and across the world remains steadfast, and despite the dangers, we will continue provide lifesaving humanitarian aid to our brothers in sisters for awe possibly can. Join us in our mission today by clicking here.