Never before have humanitarian needs been greater. And never before has the work of aid workers been more important. But it doesn't come without risk. In 2022, 115 of them were killed, 139 injured, and 185 kidnapped.

This is according to figures from Humanitarian Outcomes . While there has been a decrease in the number of attacks on aid workers, the number of kidnappings has increased significantly. In total, 439 people were subjected to violence, in 230 separate attacks. South Sudan remains the world's most dangerous place to do humanitarian work, followed by Haiti and Ukraine.

Local aid workers most at risk

In 2022, the number of kidnappings increased by 58 percent from the previous year, with most cases occurring in Mali and Myanmar. Another disturbing trend was that the number of attacks on national and local organizations rose, while large international organizations experienced the opposite.

In Ukraine, 11 aid workers lost their lives in Russian attacks. Two of them worked for Caritas in Mariupol. In addition, 39 people were taken hostage by the Russians, and several of these have reported abuse.

World Humanitarian Day

As one of the world's largest humanitarian networks, Caritas aid workers in more than 200 countries. They work tirelessly to help people in need – as a result of conflicts, natural disasters or hunger crises. They distribute food, clean drinking water, medicines, hygiene items, etc. And provide advice and psychosocial support to those who want it. Every year – on August 19 – their efforts are honored with a special day by the UN – World Humanitarian Day.

On the website of Caritas Internationally you can read testimonies from some of our aid workers.