Aid Worker Deaths Surge in South Sudan, UN Urges Protection

The number of humanitarian workers and contractors killed in South Sudan has surged to at least 36 since January, surpassing the total of 31 recorded for all of 2025, according to the United Nations. This marks a significant increase in violence against aid personnel in a country recognized as one of the most dangerous for humanitarian work.

Ramanathan Balakrishnan, the UN humanitarian coordinator in South Sudan, stated that these figures represent more than just statistics. He emphasized that "every killing must be investigated, and those responsible held accountable," adding that the continued loss of humanitarian personnel, predominantly South Sudanese nationals, is "unacceptable."

From January to July, the UN Mission in South Sudan reported over 450 incidents of violence targeting humanitarian workers and assets. This figure is more than double the number documented during the same period last year.

Renewed conflict between government forces and opposition fighters has compelled aid organizations to withdraw from certain areas. This disruption further limits access to vulnerable populations in South Sudan, a nation of approximately 12 million people grappling with both persistent conflict and the impacts of climate change since its independence from Sudan in 2011.

Humanitarian organizations are appealing to the South Sudanese government and all signatories to the 2018 peace agreement, established to end the civil war, to ensure the protection of aid workers. They are also calling for thorough investigations into attacks and for guaranteed safe and unimpeded access to deliver assistance to those in need.

This year, an estimated 10 million people are expected to require humanitarian aid. Among them, more than 7.5 million individuals face high levels of acute food insecurity, according to UN data. Additionally, the UN refugee agency and the World Food Programme have warned that over 650,000 refugees and asylum seekers in South Sudan risk losing access to essential food, nutrition, and other life-saving assistance due to severe funding shortages.