In 2024, 10 UN humanitarian workers were killed in Ukraine due to Russian attacks, while 41 others were injured.
Matthias Schmale, the UN humanitarian coordinator in Ukraine, shared this information in an interview with Interfax-Ukraine.
"Ten people were killed, and 41 were injured, unfortunately. These are humanitarian workers engaged in the UN's humanitarian response," Schmale said.
He clarified that this number does not include data from all 600 national and international NGOs operating in Ukraine, only those cooperating with the UN within the humanitarian response system.
"This figure only accounts for those working within the response I coordinate," Schmale added.
He emphasized that providing protective gear and advocating with donors for its supply are key measures to safeguard humanitarian workers.
"Sometimes, delivering humanitarian aid in wartime means taking risks. Workers providing essentials, such as winter clothing, also need protection. That’s why I urge donors to allocate funds for their safety," he stressed.
Schmale also condemned Russia's use of double-tap strikes.
"When they launch a missile, first responders arrive at the scene, and then the Russians fire a second missile," he explained.
The UN underscored that war has rules and that civilians and humanitarian workers must be protected.
"We must constantly remind the Russian armed forces: do not attack humanitarian convoys, do not attack humanitarian workers, do not target civilian infrastructure, including energy facilities. Russia does not sufficiently respect the rules of war," Schmale stated.
