NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 19-More than 1,000 humanitarian workers have been killed over the past three years, the United Nations has warned, as the world marks World Humanitarian Day amid growing attacks on those delivering life-saving assistance in conflict and disaster zones.

📻 Breaking It Down

UN Secretary-General António Guterres said humanitarian workers are operating in increasingly dangerous conditions, with most of those killed being local staff serving their own communities.

“Serving others has become more dangerous than ever. More than a thousand humanitarians have been killed in the last 3 years,” Guterres said.

He said countless other aid workers had narrowly survived shootings, shelling, bombings, kidnappings and sexual violence, while schools and hospitals are increasingly coming under attack.

📌 What You Need to Know

Guterres also warned that the growing use of new weapons, including armed drones, is creating additional dangers for humanitarian personnel working in conflict zones.

The UN chief said the deterioration of security is being compounded by shrinking humanitarian funding, restrictions on access and growing threats against aid workers.

“We see aid convoys blocked, aid workers threatened, arrested and detained and people in desperate need left without support,” he said.

He stressed that attacks on humanitarian personnel are illegal and can have devastating consequences for civilians who rely on humanitarian assistance to survive.

“The world has made commitments. Now we must act to respect the rules of law, ensure safe access, hold perpetrators accountable, and provide sufficient resources,” Guterres said.

The UN warning comes as humanitarian agencies report a sharp deterioration in the safety of personnel providing food, healthcare, shelter and other essential services in some of the world’s most severe crises.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya