This World Humanitarian Day, the American Red Cross stands in solidarity alongside all members of the global Red Cross and Red Crescent Network and calls for the protection of staff, volunteers and the people we serve.
A Red Cross or Red Crescent emblem found anywhere in the world — painted on a vehicle, sewn onto a vest — is meant to say: the people underneath this symbol are here to save lives. Let them do their work and return home safely. They are not a target.
Yet, attacks on humanitarian workers aren't new, they aren't slowing down, and not every attack on a humanitarian worker happens in a conflict zone.
In June 2026, two Red Cross of the Democratic Republic of the Congo volunteers, Dieudonné and Ushindi, were violently attacked while carrying out a safe and dignified burial during an Ebola outbreak. Rumors about the disease and mistrust of responders had spread through parts of the community.
The volunteers tried to explain their work and calm tensions. Instead, the crowd turned on them. Both men suffered severe injuries and required lengthy hospitalization.
“I realized my life was hanging by a thread,” said Dieudonné, Red Cross volunteer. “At first, I tried to walk away calmly, not wanting to fuel their anger. But suddenly, I received a violent blow from a shovel. Survival instinct took over. I fled.”
Their stories are a reminder that humanitarian workers can face danger far beyond the front lines of war. Whether responding to conflict, disease outbreaks, disasters or other crises, they should never become targets for trying to help.
The world needs humanitarian workers more than ever. One life lost is far too many.
Since 2023, almost 100 volunteers and staff from the Red Cross and Red Crescent Network have died or been killed while serving their communities. This is part of a broader global trend, with 2024 marking the deadliest year on record for humanitarians worldwide.
Humanitarian personnel around the world never give up – and we must not give up on them. This World Humanitarian Day, the American Red Cross stands in solidarity alongside all members of the global Red Cross and Red Crescent Network and calls for the protection of staff, volunteers and the people we serve.
Click here to read more about the importance of World Humanitarian Day within the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Take a class and be ready to respond if an emergency strikes.
