Preliminary data for 2025 indicates that approximately 950 human rights defenders, journalists, and trade unionists were killed or forcibly disappeared globally. This figure represents more than a doubling compared to a decade ago. These and other alarming trends are highlighted in the latest global dataset from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), titled Human Rights Count 2026. The report documents attacks against defenders, civilian deaths in conflicts, patterns of discrimination worldwide, and the status of institutions tasked with protecting universal human rights.
According to the report, a human rights defender, journalist, or trade unionist is killed or disappears every 10 hours. A child loses their life in armed conflict every hour. In the past year, one in five individuals reported experiencing discrimination. Violence against human rights defenders has reached record levels, resulting in the deaths of at least 5,995 people since 2015.
Humanitarian Aid Efforts Under Discussion
In line with the United Nations’ goal to strengthen its global operations, the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) commenced its annual three-day humanitarian segment on Wednesday. During this session, Member States, the UN system, partners, and the private sector convened to discuss future challenges and opportunities.
At the opening session, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, stated that the humanitarian mission frequently becomes contentious. He noted that aid organizations face a gap between increasing needs and dwindling funds, as well as a gap between needs and the ability to deliver aid. The UN aid chief emphasized that respect for international humanitarian law and the protection of aid workers are indispensable for humanitarian activities. Fletcher called on Member States, parties to conflicts, donors, development partners, and the private sector to fulfill their roles, stating, “The future of humanitarian aid will not be determined by humanitarian workers alone.”
