Protecting Those Who Save Lives
Every year on August 19, World Humanitarian Day honours the women and men who provide lifesaving assistance to people affected by war, natural disasters, and humanitarian crises. The day also commemorates the 2003 bombing of the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad, where 22 people, including UN diplomat Sergio Vieira de Mello, lost their lives.
In 2026, the message is unmistakable: it is urgent to protect those who dedicate their lives to helping others.
A Growing Humanitarian Crisis
The global humanitarian system is facing an unprecedented challenge. Humanitarian needs continue to rise, financial resources are shrinking, and aid workers are increasingly being targeted.
In 2025, at least 326 humanitarian workers were killed in 21 countries. Over the past three years alone, more than 1,010 people have lost their lives while delivering food, water, medicine, and shelter to the world’s most vulnerable communities.
Addressing the United Nations Security Council, Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, issued a stark warning:
“This is not accidental escalation. It is the collapse of protection. We are not only being killed; our work is being obstructed, criminalized, and delegitimized,” he said. “We are told where we cannot go and whom we cannot help. We are harassed or arrested for doing our jobs. Lies are spread about us, and those lies have consequences.”
Elyse Mosquini of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) also reminds us:
“We are losing our humanity in war.”
She further emphasizes that disinformation campaigns and widespread impunity continue to weaken humanitarian organizations and place even more lives at risk.
Acting for Humanity
To mark World Humanitarian Day, the United Nations is relaunching its #ActForHumanity campaign, calling on governments, organizations, and individuals to take action around three key priorities:
- Protect humanitarian workers and civilians.
- Uphold international humanitarian law.
- Ensure sustainable funding for emergency humanitarian response.
The United Nations reminds us that by protecting those who help others, we also preserve hope for millions of families around the world.
A Call That Reflects the SNJM Values
The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) deeply share this commitment to defending human dignity, justice, and the value of every human life. Since their founding, the Sisters have accompanied vulnerable people and encouraged concrete acts of solidarity, compassion, and peace.
To help people better understand the challenges facing humanitarian workers today, UNICEF also offers a video highlighting the efforts being made to combat the spread of disease in the midst of the conflict in Gaza.
On this World Humanitarian Day, let us remember that every act of solidarity has the power to make a difference. Protecting those who save lives means choosing to keep our shared humanity at the heart of our priorities.