The past year brought profound loss to our community. According to the Aid Worker Security Report, in 2024, 864 humanitarian workers were victims of major incidents: 383 killed, 308 wounded, 125 kidnapped, and 45 detained. Almost half of those who died were in Gaza, while Sudan, South Sudan, Nigeria, Lebanon, Ethiopia, Syria, Ukraine, and the DRC also endured heavy losses.
There are not numbers. They are our colleagues and friends. Many were local staff, serving their own communities with extraordinary courage in circumstances most people can barely imagine.
As a network of security professionals, INSSA also recognises the quiet but vital role of those working behind the scenes to safeguard humanitarian operations. Their professionalism, selfless contribution, and care made it possible for life-saving work to continue despite the risks.
On this World Humanitarian Day, we honour the memory of those we lost, and we stand alongside the security staff and humanitarian everywhenre who carry this work forward with dedication and compassion.
