JUBA – With 26 humanitarian workers and contractors killed or injured in South Sudan this year, the country has become the second most dangerous place in the world to be an aid worker, according to Aid Worker Security Database.
“On World Humanitarian Day, we pay tribute to humanitarian workers in South Sudan and around the world, remember those who have lost their lives in the line of duty, and rally support for people affected by crises,” said Ms. Anita Kiki Gbeho, the Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan.
In South Sudan, since the beginning of the year, there have been 26 causalities, including 15 humanitarian workers and 11 contractors who have been killed or injured, a deeply troubling increase from 15 people the same period last year, the UN humanitarian agency in the country said.
Between January and July 2025, UNOCHA said over 200 incidents of direct violence against humanitarians and assets were reported, up from 176 last year. Escalating insecurity has forced 56 humanitarian workers to relocate from their operational areas.
In South Sudan, most humanitarian workers are South Sudanese nationals, serving their own communities with extraordinary courage and commitment.
By June 2025, partners had reached approximately 3.2 million people with lifesaving assistance, 59 per cent of the 2025 Response Plan target, through all available means, and in hardto-reach, conflict-affected areas.
“Whilst the country needs humanitarian workers more than ever, the humanitarian community faces immense pressures, from a reduction in funding to a surge in attacks on workers, including injuries, kidnappings, and killings,” said the Humanitarian Coordinator.
On World Humanitarian Day, the humanitarian community calls on the Government, non-state actors and stakeholders to protect and ensure the safety of civilians, including women and children, and humanitarian workers, and to guarantee access to people in need.
“We also urge the international community to remain mobilized in its support to South Sudan and its journey toward peace, recovery, and resilience.”