OCHA: 350 humanitarian aid workers killed in international operations – record level for 2025 and 2026

The vast majority of deaths occurred in conflict zones. OCHA specifically named Sudan, Ukraine, the Gaza Strip, and Hama as hotspots where aid workers were killed in airstrikes, shelling, or targeted attacks. There were also fatalities in Israel and other states.

UN humanitarian coordinator Tom Fletcher spoke of a «turning point» for the humanitarian sector at the press conference. The protection mechanisms for civilian aid workers – including international law and the Geneva Conventions – must be applied consistently again, Fletcher demanded. Without functioning protection, the supply of millions of people in need is acutely at risk.

The aid organization Plan International described the worsening situation on the ground. «Eine weiße Flagge reicht nicht mehr», said Unni Krishna, Global Humanitarian Director at Plan International in London. She explained: «Früher hat eine weiße Flagge am Fahrzeug ausgereicht, um in Ortschaften zu gelangen – auch dort, wo Kämpfer präsent waren oder das Militär Bombenangriffe flog», erzählte Unni Krishna, Globaler Humanitärer Direktor bei Plan International in London, «das hat sich dramatisch geändert».

Promises of protection and a new reality

OCHA pointed out that the actual figure is likely higher, as not every incident in remote regions is reported. Kidnappings, assaults, and arbitrary arrests have also risen sharply. Teams are repeatedly forced to suspend their work because the security situation does not allow them to continue.

The data explicitly concern the international humanitarian system – that is, organizations that work across borders or in conflict zones under international law. Staff of national disaster relief agencies or commercial security services are not included.

The United Nations called on all parties to conflicts to comply with the protection provisions for medical and humanitarian personnel. Donor countries were also addressed: the funding gap in the humanitarian sector rose again to more than 30 billion US dollars in 2026, further complicating the work of organizations.

Demands on parties to conflicts and donors

CARE Austria, the aid agency mentioned in the reports, said it had to temporarily suspend its own programs in several countries due to attacks on personnel and facilities. The organization called for the consistent prosecution of those responsible before national and international courts.

The background to the publication is the years-long ongoing series of attacks on humanitarian personnel. OCHA had already reported rising figures in previous years; the current figure of 350 deaths within around 19 months, however, sets a new record, according to OCHA. Observers see this as an indication that respect for international humanitarian law is continuing to erode in numerous conflicts.

Fletcher announced that OCHA would in future publish the annual security report every six months in order to be able to react more quickly to developments. In addition, local partner organizations are to be more strongly involved in protection concepts and training programs for deployment staff are to be expanded.