sueddeutsche.de
265 Aid Workers Killed in 2025, Nearing 2024's Record
As of now, 265 aid workers have been killed in 2025, nearing the 383 deaths in 2024; the Palestinian territories, Sudan, and South Sudan are the most dangerous areas for aid workers, with 108 of 245 attacks originating in the Palestinian territories.
- What are the main causes of the attacks on humanitarian aid workers in 2025, and which regions are most affected?
- The high number of aid worker deaths in 2025 highlights the ongoing dangers faced by humanitarian personnel in conflict zones. The data shows a concerning pattern of violence concentrated in specific regions like the Palestinian territories, where airstrikes during the Gaza War caused significant casualties. The continuing conflicts in Sudan and South Sudan also contribute to the high death toll.
- What is the current death toll for aid workers in 2025, and how does it compare to previous years, highlighting the most dangerous regions?
- The Aid Worker Security Database reports 265 aid workers killed in 2025, already matching the three-year average and nearing 2024's 383. 245 attacks have been recorded, compared to 599 in 2024. The deadliest locations remain the Palestinian territories, Sudan, and South Sudan.
- What long-term strategies are needed to improve the safety and security of aid workers in conflict zones, considering the persistent high death toll in certain areas?
- The 2025 figures indicate a continued, and potentially worsening, trend of violence against aid workers. While some areas show improvement (Lebanon, Ethiopia), the persistently high numbers in the Palestinian territories, Sudan, and South Sudan suggest that structural issues, such as ongoing conflicts and lack of protection, continue to pose significant risks. This necessitates urgent international action to enhance aid worker safety.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the situation with an emphasis on the rising death toll and the potential for the year to surpass the previous year's record. This framing emphasizes the negative aspects and may create a sense of alarm without providing sufficient context or solutions.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral and factual, focusing on statistics and direct quotes from the Aid Worker Security Database. However, phrases like "traurigen Rekordwert" (sad record value) carry some emotional weight.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses on the number of aid workers killed and attacked, but omits analysis of the underlying causes of the violence or the effectiveness of measures taken to protect aid workers. It also lacks information on the types of aid provided and the impact of attacks on aid operations.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a dichotomy of positive and negative trends (e.g., Lebanon and Ethiopia vs. Palestinian territories, Sudan, and South Sudan) without exploring the complexities and nuances within each region or the global humanitarian landscape.
Gender Bias
The article does not provide any information on the gender of the aid workers killed or attacked, limiting analysis of potential gender-specific vulnerabilities or impacts.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights a significant increase in attacks and killings of aid workers in various conflict zones. This directly undermines peace, justice, and the ability of institutions to protect vulnerable populations and ensure the safety of humanitarian personnel. The high number of attacks hinders the delivery of aid and obstructs peacebuilding efforts.