Juba, South Sudan (HRNW): Humanitarian organizations are raising urgent concerns over escalating attacks against aid workers in South Sudan, where at least 36 humanitarian workers and contractors have reportedly been killed during 2026, already exceeding the total recorded during the whole of 2025. The figures were highlighted in reporting released around World Humanitarian Day.
The United Nations has reported more than 450 incidents involving violence against humanitarian personnel and humanitarian assets between January and July 2026, more than twice the number recorded during the same period last year. Most of the victims have reportedly been South Sudanese nationals working directly with communities.
The deteriorating security environment is forcing humanitarian organizations to reduce or suspend operations in some highly volatile areas. This is particularly concerning because approximately 10 million people require humanitarian assistance in South Sudan, while millions face acute food insecurity.
Humanitarian agencies are calling on the South Sudanese authorities and all parties to the country’s peace process to protect aid workers and guarantee safe humanitarian access.
The crisis also illustrates a wider global trend. On World Humanitarian Day 2026, humanitarian organizations reported that attacks against aid workers are reaching unprecedented levels, while shrinking humanitarian budgets are simultaneously reducing the capacity of organizations to respond to emergencies.
Humanitarian leaders have stressed that protecting aid workers is essential to protecting civilians because attacks against humanitarian personnel can prevent food, medicine, shelter, clean water, and protection services from reaching people in desperate need.
Support Appeal
Support the World’s No.1 dedicated Human Rights News Agency to enhance its mission of promoting justice, equality, peace, humanitarian protection, safety of aid workers, accountability, and human dignity worldwide. Your support enables HRNW to continue reporting on humanitarian crises and the organizations working on the front lines to protect vulnerable populations.
Support HRNW: Support HRNW – World’s No.1 dedicated Human Rights News Agency
Disclaimer
This HRNW report is based on publicly available information from the United Nations, humanitarian organizations, and reputable international reporting. Figures concerning attacks and casualties may be revised as incidents are independently verified. The report is intended solely for journalistic and informational purposes. HRNW maintains complete editorial independence.
