Under-Secretary-General and Emergency Relief Coordinator Valerie Amos Statement on security of aid workers

(New York, 21 April 2015) Yesterday's horrific attack on UNICEF staff in Somalia is a reminder of the dangers faced by many humanitarian aid workers on a daily basis. Aid workers are increasingly targets, with serious consequences for our ability to reach people who urgently need help. Attacks on humanitarian workers can constitute a war crime and are in total violation of international humanitarian and human rights law.

Those who perpetrate these attacks must be held accountable.

Attacks on humanitarian workers have increased every year for more than a decade. In 2013 they reached a record high of 264 attacks affecting 474 aid workers. Respect for the United Nations flag and the Red Cross and Red Crescent flag is disappearing.

When aid workers are attacked, they are unable to help people. Those who target aid workers are penalising the most vulnerable people in the world; those who are struggling to survive. They are violating every principle of humanity and common decency.