UN reports 350 humanitarian workers killed in 2025

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that 350 humanitarian workers were killed in 2025, with 186 deaths occurring in Gaza and 71 in Sudan. The agency noted that 2025 set a “sad record” regarding violence against aid staff, with a total of 907 personnel killed, injured, or kidnapped.

Since the beginning of 2026, the violence has continued, with 82 deaths, 97 injuries, and 39 kidnappings reported globally. UN humanitarian operations lead Tom Fletcher stated that over 1,000 humanitarian workers have been killed in just three years, calling the situation “totally unacceptable.”

OCHA highlighted the proliferation of cheap, adaptable armed drones as a major concern, noting that these tools allow more actors to access lethal power. In Sudan, armed drones were reportedly responsible for 80% of civilian deaths during the first four months of 2026, specifically targeting markets and health centers.