OTTAWA: (Mirza Maqbool) Canada has renewed its commitment to protecting humanitarian workers and ensuring the safe delivery of life-saving assistance to people affected by conflicts, disasters and other crises worldwide.
In a statement marking World Humanitarian Day, Canada’s Secretary of State (International Development), Randeep Sarai, paid tribute to humanitarian workers who continue to operate in increasingly dangerous environments. The statement noted that 350 aid workers were killed in 2025, while many others were injured, kidnapped or detained.
Sarai stressed the urgent need for all parties to conflicts to respect international humanitarian law, which provides protections for civilians, humanitarian personnel and civilian infrastructure. He condemned attacks on aid workers, warehouses, vehicles and convoys, warning that such incidents disrupt vital assistance and put vulnerable communities at greater risk.
Canada also expressed concern over the growing number of humanitarian personnel facing kidnapping, detention and arrest. Sarai called for attacks threatening the safety of humanitarian workers to end and urged all parties to ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access.
According to the statement, Canada provided more than $898 million in humanitarian assistance in 2025 through non-governmental organizations, the United Nations and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The funding supported emergency relief efforts in more than 40 countries.
Sarai said Canada would remain committed to principled humanitarian action and to protecting the safety, dignity and rights of people affected by crises. He also honoured humanitarian workers who have lost their lives while helping others, saying their dedication demonstrates that humanity can endure even during the darkest moments.
