United Nations (UN) officials on Tuesday called for action to protect humanitarian workers who are facing escalating security challenges, during an open meeting held by the UN Security Council on safeguarding humanitarian workers and UN personnel.
In her briefing, Lisa Doughten, Director of the Financing and Partnerships Division at the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), highlighted that over the years, numerous UN and humanitarian workers have tragically lost colleagues and friends -- people who dedicated their lives to aiding those in times of need.
She stressed that the past two years have been particularly devastating due to the increasing dangers faced by aid workers in conflict zones and humanitarian crises worldwide.
"In 2023, we lost 280 aid workers across 20 countries, according to the Aid Worker Security database. This is a shocking 137-percent increase from 2022," Doughten said.
Doughten urged the Security Council and UN member states to unequivocally condemn attacks on humanitarian workers and cease transferring weapons to violators of international law.
In addition, Gilles Michaud, Under-Secretary-General for Safety and Security, highlighted the escalating security challenges faced by UN and humanitarian workers at the meeting.
He called for action to safeguard those dedicated to aiding the world's most vulnerable populations.
"We need collective action to protect those who dedicate their lives to people in need. Their security is not just a moral obligation. It is essential to the success of the mandates entrusted to us, including by this Council," Michaud said.
UN officials call for action to protect humanitarian workers amid rising security challenges
