The United Nations says attacks on humanitarian aid workers reach a record high in 2025. According to the UN, 907 aid workers are killed, injured, or kidnapped during the year, up from 833 in 2024. The UN describes the trend as “appalling.”
The figure comes from the Aid Worker Security Database, which compiles major security incidents affecting aid workers. The database is funded by Canada and Australia. UN-linked reporting notes that while the number of people killed is 350 in 2025—slightly lower than the 387 killed in 2024—overall violence involving aid workers increases, including injuries and kidnappings.
One outlet highlights the record level and the UN’s reaction, while another adds context by pointing to factors such as the increased use of armed drones as a possible contributor to the higher incident rate. All sources cite the same underlying UN-reported totals for 2025 and compare them with 2024.
