The year 2022 was particularly deadly for humanitarian and health workers around the world, according to a joint report published by Handicap International, Médecins du Monde and Action Against Hunger.
The report was published on Thursday, ahead of World Humanitarian Day on 19 August, and assessed the safety of humanitarian and health workers across the world.
The three organisations are calling on international donors to consider the security of humanitarian and health workers in the funding allocated to organisations, and are asking states to ensure respect for international humanitarian law and humanitarian principles.
At least 439 attacks were recorded against humanitarian workers in 2022, resulting in at least 115 deaths, according to the Aid worker security database. Among healthcare workers, 232 lost their lives in the nearly 2,000 recorded attacks on healthcare facilities or professionals, making it the most violent year for these workers in the last decade, according to the Safeguarding Health in Conflict Coalition.
Whether humanitarian or healthcare workers, 90% of victims of attacks work locally. "They are the most exposed to the risk of violence, but are often left with few resources. Donors and international partners must support them and ensure that resources are shared to enable them to ensure their own safety," the three organisations pointed out.
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"Faced with complex crises, humanitarian and healthcare workers are now operating in increasingly perilous contexts. Attacks targeting them jeopardise access to aid for the people who need it most, as this aid is often vital," said Jean-Pierre Delomier, Handicap International's Deputy Director of international operations.
"It is essential that their safety is preserved so that they can continue to provide assistance to vulnerable populations."
