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Local aid workers face record high risk in global conflict zones
On World Humanitarian Day, Save the Children released an analysis highlighting a growing crisis for aid workers, particularly local staff. Data from the Aid Worker Security Database reveals that between August 2021 and July 2026, approximately 3,496 local humanitarian workers were attacked, killed, detained, kidnapped, or seriously injured. In contrast, 134 international workers were targeted during the same period.
While the total number of attacks in 2026 has reached a decade-low, the proportion of local staff among victims has hit a record high of 98 percent. The organization warns that local staff face the same dangers as the populations they serve, including bombings and displacement, yet their losses often go unreported in global media.
Specific regions are identified as high-risk, with Lebanon, South Sudan, and Sudan currently being among the most dangerous locations for humanitarian operations. In Sudan, workers in North Kordofan report constant threats from drone attacks, which complicate access to refugee camps and local communities.
Entities
Aid Worker Security Database · Gabriella Waaijman · Mona Mahadi · Plan International · Save the Children · Save the Children International
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] In 2026, the share of local aid workers among victims reached a record high of 98 percent. www.upday.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] In the Palestinian territories, 187 aid workers were killed, 80 were injured, 23 were detained, and two were kidnapped. www.upday.com
- [● 8 SOURCES] Drone attacks have been reported in North Kordofan, Sudan, impacting humanitarian operations. courage-lounge.de · www.halternerzeitung.de · www.marler-zeitung.de · www.waltroper-zeitung.de · www.hellwegeranzeiger.de · +3 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] Lebanon, South Sudan, and Sudan are currently the most dangerous operational areas for aid workers. www.politikexpress.de · www.upday.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The year 2025 was the deadliest for humanitarian workers globally, with over 1,180 victims of serious attacks. www.upday.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Between August 2021 and July 2026, approximately 3,496 local aid workers were attacked, killed, detained, kidnapped, or seriously injured. www.politikexpress.de · www.upday.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Local staff accounted for 96 percent of all attacks on humanitarian workers over the past five years. www.politikexpress.de · www.upday.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] During the same five-year period, 134 international aid workers were attacked. www.politikexpress.de · www.upday.com