The United Nations has lowered its flag to half-mast at its headquarters in Nairobi to honour humanitarian workers who lost their lives while serving communities in need.
The gesture, held on Wednesday to mark World Humanitarian Day, paid tribute to aid workers who were killed while carrying out humanitarian operations in some of the world’s most challenging environments.
According to the UN, more than 1,100 humanitarian workers were killed, wounded, kidnapped, detained or arrested in 2025, highlighting the growing dangers faced by personnel delivering life-saving assistance.
The Southern and Eastern Africa region accounts for the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, with about 57 million people in need of assistance — more than a quarter of global humanitarian needs.
The UN said humanitarian challenges across the region are being driven by the combined effects of climate change, prolonged conflicts and economic fragility, with violence contributing to large-scale displacement.
Sudan remains the world’s worst humanitarian and displacement crisis, forcing millions of people to flee their homes and seek safety in neighbouring countries.
The UN said the commemoration was a reminder of the risks humanitarian workers continue to face as they provide essential assistance to vulnerable populations affected by conflict, disasters and displacement.
