In Sudan, the United Nations (UN) has confirmed the deaths of 84 humanitarian workers, all Sudanese nationals, since the conflict erupted in April 2020. Meanwhile, in Rafah, Gaza, the UN and the Palestinian Red Crescent Society recently uncovered a mass grave containing the bodies of 15 emergency and aid workers allegedly killed by Israeli forces.
The tragic discovery comes just 11 days after another deadly incident in Gaza. On March 19, a UN staff member was killed, and six others were injured, adding to the staggering toll of over 408 aid workers killed in the enclave since October 7, 2023. Gaza remains the most perilous place for humanitarian workers, prompting UN Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Joyce Msuya, to demand accountability.
"We extend our condolences to the families of the victims and call for justice. This Council must take action to prevent further killings and ensure accountability," Msuya stated in an urgent address.
The crisis is not confined to Gaza. The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, and Yemen are among other nations where humanitarian and UN personnel face regular attacks, assault, and harassment. As UN Under-Secretary-General for Safety and Security, Gilles Michaud , noted, these assaults aim to obstruct UN efforts to assist vulnerable populations and to silence those bearing witness.
Impunity for attacks on humanitarian personnel has become the norm, perpetuated by both non-state actors and governments. Last May, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution urging all states to respect and protect humanitarian workers in line with international humanitarian and human rights law. However, the killings continue unabated.
"A Member State recently asked whether we should be concerned that this climate of impunity will discourage people from pursuing humanitarian work. My concern is not a lack of willing humanitarians, they will always exist. My real fear is whether the international community has the courage and conviction to protect them," Msuya asserted.
With calls growing for greater accountability, Msuya warned against the criminalisation of humanitarian work, as aid workers increasingly face arbitrary detention and accusations of supporting terrorism simply for delivering assistance.
"Being shot at is not part of our job. We have become numb to this violence. The international community must act decisively to protect those who risk their lives to save others," she concluded.
--ChannelAfrica--
