At least 36 humanitarian workers and contractors have been killed in South Sudan since January 2026, a figure that exceeds the 31 deaths recorded throughout all of 2025. This makes South Sudan one of the most dangerous countries for aid workers. Ramanathan Balakrishnan, the UN humanitarian coordinator, condemned these killings, emphasizing that each incident should be investigated and those responsible held accountable, stating the continued loss of humanitarian personnel, predominantly South Sudanese nationals, is unacceptable.
Between January and July 2026, over 450 incidents of violence against humanitarian workers and their assets were reported, more than double the number from the same period last year, according to the U.N. Mission in South Sudan. This surge in violence is attributed to renewed fighting between government forces and opposition fighters, which has forced aid organizations to relocate from certain areas, further restricting access to vulnerable communities.
The country, with a population of approximately 12 million, is struggling with both conflict and the effects of climate change. Around 10 million people are projected to require humanitarian assistance this year, including over 7.5 million facing high levels of acute food insecurity. The UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) reported that more than 760 people were killed between January and March, an 89% increase compared to the previous quarter. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Anita Kiki Gbeho, called on all parties to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law.
