In the 12 years that ODI has been tracking aid worker violence, the 260 humanitarian aid workers killed, kidnapped or seriously injured in violent attacks in 2008 was the highest. The report finds that "the average number of major incidents for each of the past three years (127) represents an 89 percent increase from the prior three-year period, 2003–2005, and a 177 percent increase from the annual average going back to 1997."

Speaking with NGO workers and security personnel in the field, ODI determined that a significant explanation for the surge in violence toward aid workers is the perception (or actual partnerships with government actors) that NGOs are an extension of the greater military agenda. According to the report, "the danger of association with certain governments or armed forces has a particular salience with aid workers, most of whom endeavor to be seen as separate and distinct from political actors and activities." Calling the disassociation between humanitarian groups and political and military actors "sensible and necessary steps", the report concludes that "If the greater portion of international humanitarian aid organizations were able to achieve independence and project an image of neutrality this would surely enhance operational security and benefit humanitarian action as a whole."

This report acts as another reminder why the latest postponement of the USAID's Partner Vetting System (PVS) should be made permanent.  In addition to increasing the likelihood that NGO employees and volunteers will be targeted by militia members or disgruntled local populations, there is a risk that the humanitarian projects selected for implementation will be driven more by political acceptability rather than on need in the crisis area.