On World Humanitarian Day, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) joins United Nations agencies and humanitarian organizations in calling for the urgent protection of aid workers and an end to the rising violence against them worldwide. IOM is urging stronger, coordinated, and decisive political action from Member States to halt this alarming trend.
"International humanitarian law explicitly protects humanitarian workers, yet attacks continue with impunity. We see this play out everywhere: convoys attacked, facilities damaged, and aid corridors cut off or rendered unsafe," said IOM Director General Amy Pope. "When humanitarians are silenced, it's the people in greatest need who are left without life-saving support. We need to see urgent political will and real accountability to stop these indefensible attacks."
This year's World Humanitarian Day comes as the cost for those delivering aid reaches devastating levels. In 2024, attacks killed 383 humanitarian workers, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). In 2025, as of August 15, 265 humanitarian workers have been killed, with at least 202 more wounded, kidnapped, detained or arrested. At the current rate, 2025 is on track to becoming one of the deadliest years on record.
The rise in attacks is unfolding against a backdrop of growing displacement and escalating needs that have left millions dependent on humanitarian assistance. By the end of 2024, conflict and violence had forced 73.5 million people from their homes, according to the 2025 Global Report on Internal Displacement .
IOM and other humanitarian actors are often the first to respond in high-risk environments, and international humanitarian law requires the protection of both civilians and those who deliver life-saving assistance. IOM joins the United Nations and humanitarian partners in calling on all states to use their influence to prevent and end these violations.
"Humanitarians risk their lives every day to help people in need. On World Humanitarian Day, let's honor their service and sacrifice by doing more to protect them now and in the future," DG Pope said.
