IN 2023 alone, 280 aid workers were killed globally, twice as many as any other year in the past decade.

So far this year, 170 humanitarian workers have been killed across the globe.

 “At its most basic level, International Humanitarian Law demands rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access, freedom of movement for humanitarian workers, and the protection of civilians including medical and aid workers,” Caritas Australia advocacy associate director Damian Spruce said.

 “It also demands the protection of refugees, prisoners, the wounded and sick.

“From day one of any conflict – whether it be in Sudan, Ukraine, Gaza or anywhere else in the world – civilians, humanitarians, and medical workers, should be protected.

“This is something we agreed upon as a global, human family, as we enshrined it in International Law.”

Alongside this death toll the burden on humanitarian workers has continued to grow. 

Nearly 300 million people are expected to need humanitarian assistance this year. 

The convergence of increased conflict, climate emergencies, and economic pressures are cited as being behind this sharp increase in demand on humanitarian response.

Forced displacement is now twice as likely as it was ten years ago, leading to crowded refugee camps.

This strains resources and access to clean water and sanitation, often leading to outbreaks of cholera.

One in five children are now living in or fleeing from conflict and 258 million people face food insecurity.

“Australia has a diplomatic and financial role to play in helping address the dire challenges facing the world,” Mr Spruce said. 

“Currently, our international aid budget is just 0.8 per cent of our overall budget. Caritas Australia is supporting the Safer World for All campaign, which is backed by a coalition of 25 humanitarian aid agencies, who are pushing for Australia to lift its aid budget in line with current global crises,” he said.

Since the conflict in Gaza, the UN has reported the deaths of at least 250 aid workers in only ten months, in an area of 360 square kilometers.