The Prince of Wales has unveiled the world’s first global memorial to humanitarian workers, as new figures show deaths among aid staff have reached unprecedented levels.
The Humanitarian Memorial, designed by artist Michael Landy, was opened by Prince William in Gunnersbury Park on Wednesday (1 October 2025).
The seven-metre steel structure features 15 figures engraved with testimonies from aid workers and those they supported. It is intended as a permanent, non-political public space to commemorate humanitarians killed in service and highlight the risks faced by those delivering aid.
The launch follows the deadliest year on record for aid staff. In 2024, 383 workers were killed in 27 countries, with national employees making up 97% of fatalities. Many more were injured, kidnapped or arbitrarily detained.
At the ceremony, attended by bereaved families and representatives from international agencies, the prince met survivors of targeted attacks and staff from organisations including Médecins Sans Frontières, Islamic Relief and the Mines Advisory Group.
Tom Fletcher, the UN’s humanitarian relief chief, warned: “Humanitarians are under attack as never before. Last year more than 380 were killed – the highest number ever recorded. Our demand is clear: protect civilians, protect humanitarians, and call time on impunity.”
Sayyeda Salam, executive director of Concern Worldwide UK, described the death of her colleague Abdallah Shuko in Sudan earlier this year as part of a wider pattern of escalating attacks.
Sir John Holmes, chair of the Humanitarian Memorial Committee, said the monument should serve as both a tribute and a reminder of the need to uphold international humanitarian law.
The memorial was commissioned by the Contemporary Art Society Consultancy and supported by UK humanitarian groups and the Disasters Emergency Committee.
