Following Recent Attacks on Humanitarian Workers in Kherson: Statement by the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator

In Kherson last week, two women humanitarian workers from the mobile psychosocial support team of NGO "Culture of Democracy," were injured while responding to a domestic violence case. Culture of Democracy's mobile team operates with UNFPA support. They are also affiliated with "Successful Woman" (supported by IOM).  On their way back, their vehicle was hit in a drone attack. It is a relief that they are now in stable condition.

In May, driver Olena Tarasenko was injured when her vehicle came under shelling. In July, she died from those injuries.

The trend is deeply concerning. OCHA reports a 38 per cent increase in attacks on humanitarian workers and assets in the first quarter of 2026.  During the first six months of 2026, 6 humanitarian workers have been killed in Ukraine, including two humanitarian deminers working for NPA in Kherson.

As Humanitarian Coordinator I stand with the injured colleagues, with the teams at "Culture of Democracy" and "Successful Woman," and with all Women's Rights Organizations working under such difficult conditions. I honor the memory of Olena Tarasenko and all humanitarian workers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

At great personnel risk, the women mentioned stand by survivors of gender-based violence and by women and girls in frontline communities. It is a somewhat "invisible front", work that rarely makes headlines, yet that thousands of people depend on.

Local Women's Rights Organizations tend to be small and have far fewer resources than larger actors to manage duty of care. And funding for Women Rights Organisations keeps shrinking as needs grow.
Duty of care is not optional. It means real investment in personnel safety, mental health support, insurance, and rapid crisis funding for those who risk themselves for others.

Protecting frontline humanitarian workers is a shared responsibility. I call on partners and donors to ensure sustained support for the safety of Women's Rights Organizations on the front line.

Humanitarian personnel and assets are protected under international humanitarian law, and attacks against them should be considered war crimes and must stop.