National Aid Workers Face Majority of Attacks in Record Violence Against Humanitarians
National staff endure 96% of attacks on aid workers globally, Save the Children reports, highlighting overlooked risks ahead of World Humanitarian Day.
By John Mtongoi Newsroom
August 18, 2026
2 min read
A recent analysis by Save the Children reveals that national aid workers have suffered the vast majority of attacks on humanitarian personnel worldwide over the past five years. This comes as the organization prepares for World Humanitarian Day on August 19.
Between August 2021 and July 2026, approximately 3,496 national aid workers were subjected to serious incidents including killings, kidnappings, detentions, and injuries. In contrast, only 134 international aid workers faced similar attacks during the same period, meaning national staff accounted for 96% of all such violence.
The data highlights ongoing disregard for international protections meant to safeguard humanitarian workers amid conflicts. Notably, 2025 marked the deadliest year on record, with over 1,180 aid workers attacked globally. The occupied Palestinian territories reported a particularly high toll, with 187 aid workers killed and many more injured or detained.
While 2026 has seen a reduction in overall attacks to the lowest level in a decade, national staff represent an even greater share of victims this year—98%, the highest proportion recorded since tracking began in 1997. Most incidents have occurred in Lebanon, South Sudan, and Sudan, identified as some of the most perilous locations for aid workers.
Gabriella Waaijman, Save the Children’s Chief Operating Officer, emphasized the often overlooked plight of national staff:
- “National staff bear the brunt of attacks year on year, yet their suffering rarely makes headlines.”
- “They are frequently from the communities they serve, sharing the same hardships and dangers.”
- “When aid workers cannot operate safely, vulnerable children lose vital access to food, healthcare, education, and protection.”
- “International humanitarian laws protecting aid workers are being broken, and this must end.”
Save the Children is calling for stronger enforcement of international humanitarian law, enhanced protection measures for aid workers and civilians, unimpeded humanitarian access, and accountability for perpetrators of attacks.
