Kathmandu— A total of 350 aid workers were killed worldwide in 2025, with the highest number of fatalities occurring in Gaza and Sudan, according to a statement released Wednesday by the United Nations. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) called these attacks “unacceptable” and urged states to uphold international humanitarian law and ensure accountability for those who violate it. While the 2025 death toll was slightly lower than the 377 recorded in 2024, the organization expressed deep concern over a continuing trend of violence against humanitarians.

Rising Toll of Humanitarian Deaths

More than 1,000 aid workers have been killed in the last three years, a figure described by Tom Fletcher, under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, as “utterly unacceptable.” The UN data reveals that Gaza was the deadliest location for aid workers for the third consecutive year, with 186 fatalities. Sudan followed closely behind, recording 71 deaths among humanitarian personnel in 2025.

Drone Proliferation Fuels Civilian Casualties

OCHA highlighted a growing concern regarding the increased use of armed drones, which are placing “lethal power into ever more hands.” The statement noted that these weapons are contributing to civilian casualties in conflict zones. In Sudan, armed drones were responsible for 80 percent of civilian deaths during the first four months of 2026, frequently targeting markets and health facilities. Similar drone attacks have also been observed in the Russia-Ukraine war.

Continued Risks Into 2026

Since the beginning of 2026, an additional 82 aid workers have been killed, with 97 injured and 39 abducted globally. Tom Fletcher emphasized that simply acknowledging the problem is insufficient to protect those working in humanitarian roles. He called for states to enforce international law and impose “real consequences” on perpetrators.

The UN continues to monitor attacks on aid workers and advocate for greater protection of humanitarians operating in conflict zones.

(With inputs from RN)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.