UN Campaign Highlights Risks to Humanitarian Workers Amid Escalating Conflicts

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) for the Middle East and North Africa hosted solidarity events in Amman on Monday, part of a global campaign to raise awareness about the impact of armed conflicts, including attacks on humanitarian workers. The campaign urged decision-makers and influential figures to exert decisive action to end attacks on civilians, protect humanitarian workers and hold violators to account, according to a press statement. It said 2023 was marked by serious breaches of international law and the death of many humanitarian workers, with three of the five deadliest crises occurring in the Middle East. The solidarity action included a stand in Amman organized in partnership with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and other humanitarian organizations. Activities also featured a field visit to the warehouses of the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization and a digital campaign, #ForHumanity. The statement said t hat over 280 humanitarian workers were killed last year, making 2023 as the deadliest year for the global humanitarian community. It warned of a potential increase in violence and attacks this year, emphasizing the urgency to defend humanity, adhere to international humanitarian law and enforce accountability. Source: Jordan News Agency