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The European Union’s commissioner for equality and crisis management said Monday that 2024 was the deadliest year ever recorded for humanitarian workers, with hundreds killed, injured or abducted in conflict zones.
Hadja Lahbib, speaking ahead of World Humanitarian Day on Aug. 19, said the EU remains among the world’s largest providers of humanitarian assistance, helping millions caught in wars and disasters. But she warned that workers on the ground are facing unprecedented risks.
“Delivering aid has never been so dangerous,” Lahbib said. She cited figures showing 383 aid workers were killed last year, 308 wounded and 125 kidnapped. With at least 265 already killed in 2025, she said the international community may soon see another grim record.
She accused warring parties of showing disregard for international humanitarian law, pointing to rising attacks on civilians, hospitals, schools and relief convoys. The Geneva Conventions, she stressed, still prohibit such acts, and violations are crimes under international law.
“Blatant violations are happening in plain sight, and impunity prevails,” Lahbib said. “Without accountability for the killing of aid workers, more lives will be lost.”
She highlighted ongoing humanitarian crises in Sudan, Gaza and Ukraine, but noted that many other emergencies draw little global attention despite mounting needs.
