World Humanitarian Day

Every year on August 19, World Humanitarian Day pays tribute to those who work at the heart of crises to save lives, often at the risk of their own. This date also marks a tragic anniversary: the attack on the United Nations compound in Baghdad in 2003, which claimed the lives of 22 people, including Sergio Vieira de Mello, the UN Secretary General’s Special Representative for Iraq.

Protect Those Who Save Lives

In 2025, the message is more urgent than ever: the humanitarian system is stretched to the breaking point—underfunded, overwhelmed … and under attack. Wherever bombs fall and disasters strike, it is humanitarian workers who hold the line, delivering relief and hope. Yet they are increasingly targeted.

In 2024 alone, more than 380 humanitarian workers were killed (an alarming increase of 119 deaths compared to 2023). Others were injured, kidnapped, or detained—sometimes even in their own homes. Figures for 2025 are already expected to be even more concerning. Too often, the world looks away. International laws that should protect these men and women are violated, and those responsible go unpunished.

But the urgency is not only about their safety: humanitarian needs are skyrocketing while funding is dwindling. The system is faltering, putting millions of lives it supports at risk.

A call to action: #ActForHumanity

On this World Humanitarian Day, the humanitarian community is relaunching the #ActForHumanity campaign with three main goals:
• Protect humanitarian workers and the civilians they assist
• Ensure respect for international humanitarian law
• Secure sustainable funding for essential livelihoods

The UN is calling for outrage to be turned into action—pressuring leaders to end impunity, to ensure every saved life is protected, and to keep humanity at the heart of our priorities.

“If we allow this situation to continue, we risk losing not only a system but also our sense of humanity.”

Visit the #ActForHumanity campaign page to watch the video and get more information.