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19 August: World Humanitarian Day
On 19th August and for the first time, the international community will pay tribute to the brave humanitarian workers who devote their time and energy to come to the rescue of innocent victims of war and natural catastrophes across the world
di Staff
In the last decade, more than 700 humanitarian workers have made the ultimate sacrifice while striving to help those most in need in some of the world’s most hostile environments. Thousands more have endured bombing, kidnapping, attacks, hijacking, robbery and rape.
To honour all humanitarians and increase public understanding of humanitarian assistance activities worldwide, the United Nations General Assembly has chosen to dedicate 19 August to commemorate World Humanitarian Day.
The date is highly symbolic. On 19 August 2003, a truck packed with a ton of explosives deliberately drove into the United Nations office in Iraq, killing 22 people. Among them was Sergio Vieira de Mello, then the UN’s High Commissioner for Human Rights, Under-Secretary-General of OCHA from 1998 to 2001 and long-time humanitarian.
This commemoration also takes place at a time when humanitarian workers are increasingly targeted by extremists and armed groups and when humanitarian needs are on the rise.
While much has been achieved, the challenges faced by many millions of people around the world are still formidable, and the need for principled and effective humanitarian action is greater than ever.
Humanitarian needs are growing faster than our ability to deal with them. Long-running and intractable conflicts are still exacting an unconscionable toll on civilians. Natural hazards are becoming increasingly severe and frequent. The international humanitarian community isfacing new threats generated by the combined effects of global mega-trends: climate change, chronic poverty, the food and financial crises, water and energy scarcity, migration, population growth, urbanisation, pandemics.
This memorable day will be celebrated throughout the world. The key ceremony will be held in Geneva (click here to view the Geneva programme).
For further details on the day, click here.
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