Violence targeting humanitarian workers has seen a sharp surge over the past three years, causing the death of over 1,000 humanitarian workers in the past three years, according to reports delivered by United Nations officials at a Security Council meeting on Wednesday.
UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher told the Security Council that over 1,010 humanitarian workers were killed in that span, compared with 377 in the preceding three years, nearly triple the earlier toll.
Officials said the surge reflects intensifying conflicts and a growing disregard for humanitarian law, with aid staff increasingly targeted in war zones and perpetrators rarely held accountable.
Gilles Michaud, the UN's security chief, urged member states to establish strict accountability mechanisms that enable thorough investigation and prosecution against perpetrators.
Sun Lei, China’s deputy permanent representative to the UN, told the Council that the international community must unite to shield humanitarian workers and UN personnel from escalating conflicts. He urged concrete measures to build a "security shield" for aid staff on the front lines, stressing that global solidarity is essential in the face of mounting risks.
Sun outlined China's four priorities, namely, eliminating violence to secure safety; upholding international law to safeguard humanitarian operations; ending political smears and respecting the UN’s mandate; and strengthening global support to improve protection systems.
He noted that the proposals were aimed at reversing the surge in violence against humanitarian workers, and collective action on law, security, and support is essential to prevent further loss of life.
UN officials warn sharp surge in violence targeting humanitarian workers
UN officials warn sharp surge in violence targeting humanitarian workers
UN officials warn sharp surge in violence targeting humanitarian workers
