Seven aid workers killed, six in captivity in Somalia since January- UN

The Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia and Humanitarian Coordinator, Peter de Clercq, speaks during a gathering to mark World Humanitarian Day in Mogadishu on 19 August 2018. UN Photo

Six humanitarian workers remain under custody of their captors while seven others have been killed this year alone in Somalia, the UN has said calling for protection of aid workers in the country.

UN Humanitarian Affairs Coordinator (OCHA) Peter de Clercq said Monday the situation still remains risky for humanitarian workers in the country facing continued threats from armed group.

“As humanitarians deliver aid and medical workers treat the sick and wounded, they are directly targeted,” de Clercq, said in marking the World Humanitarian Day in Mogadishu.

German nurse abducted by gunmen in Mogadishu

“They are still facing threats and they are being prevented at times from bringing relief to those in desperate need – this must stop,” he added.

A total of 18 humanitarian workers have been kidnapped since the beginning of the year, the UN official said in addition to 74 violent incidents affecting humanitarian personnel, health facilities and assets.

Among those who remain under custody of their captors is a German nurse, Sonja Nientiet working with the International Committee of the Red Cross. Nientiet was abducted from the ICRC offices in Mogadishu in May. The government said it has made arrests but there is no public report yet about her fate.