Increase in global conflicts lead to record attacks on humanitarian workers, WHO warns

As global conflicts escalate, the consequences for many countries have been dire, leading to famine and widespread displacement. The impact of these wars extends to humanitarian workers, who face injury and even death while providing aid.

On World Humanitarian Day, August 19, the World Health Organisation (WHO) warned about the increasing threats to healthcare workers.

According to WHO, 2023 was the deadliest year on record for humanitarians, with 1,520 attacks on healthcare facilities resulting in numerous injuries and civilian deaths.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom noted, "One attack is one too many. The impact of an attack on a hospital can crush the health system for years."

The United Nations has reported a 25 per cent surge in attacks on health workers, hospitals, and clinics in conflict zones over the past year, reaching the highest level ever recorded.

This increase has been driven by new conflicts in Gaza and Sudan, as well as ongoing wars in Ukraine and Myanmar, according to the Safeguarding Health in Conflict coalition.

In 2023, researchers documented over 2,500 incidents of violence or obstruction against healthcare, including the killing or kidnapping of workers and attacks on medical facilities.

Between January 1 and September 6, Insecurity Insight recorded at least 192 attacks on Sudan’s healthcare system, resulting in the deaths of 28 health workers and damaging health facilities 42 times.

The UN Human Rights Office reported that 500 health workers have been killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023. The coalition has called for both national and international prosecutions for war crimes related to these attacks.

A displaced Sudanese woman rests inside a shelter at Zamzam camp, in North Darfur, Sudan, August 1, 2024. REUTERS: File Photo

Bruno Lemarquis, the Humanitarian Coordinator in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), emphasised the urgency of this year’s commemoration.

In the first half of 2023 alone, six aid workers were killed and 11 were kidnapped in the DRC, with over 200 incidents targeting humanitarians.

He highlighted the ongoing violence in Ituri and North Kivu provinces, where over 630 civilians have been killed between January and July, displacing tens of thousands and temporarily halting aid in some areas.

Lemarquis warned, "When we fail to protect civilians and humanitarians, we undermine human rights and the relief efforts for those in distress. This cycle of violence and suffering erodes the foundation of social cohesion and peace."

Despite these challenges, the UN and various NGOs remain committed to aiding those in need. However, the humanitarian response plan for 2024 is only 35 per cent funded, leaving hundreds of thousands at risk.

Experts fear that without immediate intervention, 2024 could see even greater crises.

In Somalia, humanitarian organisations have urged the government to protect aid workers in conflict areas. A joint press statement led by Somalia Humanitarian Coordinator George Conway highlighted the vulnerability of aid workers and the need for adherence to international legal obligations to protect civilians and ensure safe humanitarian access.

Somalia has recorded 124 incidents affecting humanitarian access this year, including 12 aid workers injured and 13 incidents of physical assault, harassment, and intimidation.

In total, 280 aid workers were killed across 33 countries in 2023, with Somalia accounting for four of these deaths. Despite a decrease in the overall number of people in need, Somalia remains severely impacted by conflicts, economic shocks, and disease outbreaks, with 6.9 million people requiring lifesaving assistance as of 2024. Of these, 3.8 million are internally displaced and particularly vulnerable.