Record 281 aid workers killed in 2024, says UN

A staggering 281 aid workers have been killed around the world so far this year, making 2024 the deadliest year for humanitarians, the UN Aid Chief said Friday.

With more than a month left to go of 2024, the "grim milestone was reached", he said, after 280 humanitarians were killed across 33 countries during all of 2023. The majority of deaths involve local staff working with non-governmental organisations, UN agencies and the Red Cross Red Crescent movement, his office said.

The UN Security Council adopted a resolution last May in response to the surging violence and threats against aid workers. The text called for recommendations from the UN Chief on measures to prevent and respond to such incidents and to increase protection for humanitarian staff and accountability for abuses.