2024 has been a bad year for aid workers and humanitarians, according to the United Nations. 282 have been killed in the first 11 months, surpassing last year’s total of 280. What’s more, a plurality of the victims was killed by state actors: people who were charged with protecting aid workers and facilitating their work. Their actions contravene the Geneva Conventions, which protect people who do not take part in the fighting. Nonetheless, non-state actors carry a significant amount of the blame.
“It is unacceptable that those who assist and protect the most vulnerable would themselves be the targets of violence,” said Robert Wood, U.S. Alternative Representative for Special Political Affairs at the U.N.
“Earlier this year, Houthi militants rounded up scores of UN and diplomatic staff, all of whom were working to bring life-saving assistance to the Yemeni people.”
“In Ukraine, members of Russia’s forces have inflicted unconscionable acts of brutality on civilians, including torture and forcible transfer and deportation of children. These acts are not random or spontaneous, but part of the Kremlin’s widespread and systematic efforts against the Ukrainian people,” he said.
“In Gaza, Palestinian civilians have endured sheer hell in this war. Far too many civilians have been killed, including thousands of children.”
“The United States continues to urge all parties to facilitate the unhindered movement of humanitarian and commercial convoys into and throughout Gaza,” said Ambassador Wood. “The fact that Hamas’ actions endanger civilians does not negate Israel’s responsibilities to protect civilians – including humanitarian personnel.”
“We reiterate our call on all parties to protect civilians, civilian infrastructure, and humanitarian operations, to ensure humanitarian access in all parts of Lebanon, and to abide by their obligations under international law.”
“We are also concerned about the safety and security of humanitarian staff in Sudan,” said Ambassador Wood.
“Since the start of the conflict, fighting has killed 50 aid workers and injured many others. Dozens of humanitarian staff have been detained and some still remain unaccounted for.”
“The United States’ position is clear: the Geneva Conventions are as important today as they were 75 years ago, which is why we joined the call earlier this year for a renewed commitment to them,” said Ambassador Wood. “We will continue advocating for protection of humanitarian personnel everywhere around the world.”
