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UN reports record violence against humanitarian aid workers in 2025
The United Nations and humanitarian monitoring groups have reported a surge in violence against aid workers. In 2025, 907 humanitarian staff were killed, injured, or kidnapped, according to the Aid Worker Security Database. While the total number of deaths decreased slightly from 2024, the overall level of violence remains historically high, with 350 workers killed in 2025.
Gaza was identified as the deadliest location for humanitarian personnel for the third consecutive year, accounting for 186 deaths. Sudan also saw significant violence, recording a record 71 aid worker fatalities. Other high-risk areas included Ukraine, Ethiopia, Syria, Haiti, Chad, and Cameroon.
Experts, including UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher, warned that the proliferation of cheap, adaptable armed drones is increasing risks to personnel, particularly in urban areas. Additionally, data from the Explosive Weapons Monitor indicated that attacks on humanitarian operations increased by 52% in 2025 compared to the previous year, with 2,541 recorded attacks across 17 countries and territories.
Entities
Antonio Guterres · Gaza · Inew · OCHA · Tom Fletcher · United Nations
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] More than 1,000 humanitarian workers have been killed or injured by explosive weapons in populated areas since 2022. www.adnkronos.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] 350 humanitarian staff were killed in 2025. jamaicainquirer.com · www.globaldiasporanews.com · revistaforum.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] There were 2,541 attacks against humanitarian operations across 17 countries and territories in 2025. www.adnkronos.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Attacks on humanitarian operations increased by 52% in 2025 compared to the previous year. www.adnkronos.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Gaza was the deadliest context for aid workers in 2025, with 186 killed. jamaicainquirer.com · www.globaldiasporanews.com · revistaforum.com.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] 907 aid workers were victims of violence in 2025. jamaicainquirer.com · www.globaldiasporanews.com · revistaforum.com.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] Sudan saw a record 71 aid workers killed in 2025. www.globaldiasporanews.com · jamaicainquirer.com · revistaforum.com.br
- [● 2 SOURCES] The proliferation of cheap and adaptable armed drones in conflicts has increased the risks to aid workers. jamaicainquirer.com · revistaforum.com.br