Aid Worker Security Report 2026: Figures at a glance

Across conflicts and crises, humanitarian workers risk their lives every day to deliver food, healthcare, protection and hope. Yet attacks against humanitarian workers are increasing, while respect for International Humanitarian Law continues to erode.

The Aid Worker Security Database (AWSD) just released their 2026 Aid Worker Security Report 'Figures at a Glance' ahead of the full report that will be published in August. 1 187 humanitarian workers were victims of of major security incidents in 2025. Humanitarian worker fatalities fell in 2025 but remained historically high, with 350 humanitarian workers killed – the second-highest toll ever recorded. Kidnappings by non-state actors and criminal groups surged from the previous year to 235, with serious injuries also increasing. The growing criminalisation, control, and distrust of aid in some insecure contexts have greatly added to the risks and complexities of humanitarian response, shrinking access and challenging hard-earned acceptance aid groups built over decades.

VOICE calls on the EU and its Member States to protect civilians and humanitarian workers and to ensure respect for International Humanitarian Law and accountability for violations.

Read the full report Figures at a Glance 2026 here.