“A grave betrayal of humanity": Abhorrent attacks on aid workers must stop

Geneva (IFRC/ICRC) — In 2025 alone, 18 staff and volunteers of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement were killed while carrying out their lifesaving work in Gaza, in Sudan, in South Sudan, in Iran, in Ethiopia and in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 

Many others have been killed off duty – in their homes, with their families or simply going about daily life. Others have been injured, arbitrarily detained or kidnapped.

Deliberately targeting humanitarian organisations through false and harmful information adds to the threats faced by aid workers, notably by portraying them as legitimate targets. 

Despite these risks, our colleagues continue to show up not because they are fearless, but because the suffering is too urgent to ignore. Yet, courage is not protection, and dedication does not deflect bullets.

The Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, which seeks to unite states in reversing this tragic trend, is a critical step and must translate into tangible action on the ground. 

The rules of war are clear: humanitarian personnel must be respected and protected. Every attack is a grave betrayal of humanity, and the rules designed to protect them and the communities they serve. Each killing sends a dangerous message that their lives were expendable. They were not. 

We call on all states, parties to conflict and global leaders to take immediate concrete steps to protect those who risk everything to save lives. When humanitarian workers are protected, so is our shared humanity.