World Humanitarian Day

This world day emphasizes the essential role of humanitarian personnel in all regions of the world. It is an opportunity to pay tribute to these men and women who perform essential work for people in need. It is also an invitation to do everything possible to protect these humanitarian workers who, unfortunately, still become targets today.

While the human cost of the climate crisis cannot be ignored, this day aims to pressure all world leaders to take concrete action to safeguard the safety of humanitarian workers and promote the well-being, dignity and survival of people affected by the crises in their countries.

#ActForHumanity

This is all the more essential given that, according to the data collected, 2023 was the deadliest year on record for humanitarian workers. A total of 261 people were killed in 2023, more than twice as many as in 2022 (118 deaths). And if the trend continues, 2024 will be even worse, with 150 aid workers already killed in the Gaza conflict alone in the first six months of the year.

We can better understand the theme of the 2024 campaign “#ActForHumanity” and the UN’s call for the authorities to put a complete stop to violations and to the impunity granted to those who violate international laws, which are universally accepted to govern the conduct of armed conflicts.

“This failure of those in power cannot be allowed to continue. Attacks on humanitarian workers and humanitarian assets must stop. Attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure must stop,” says the UN.

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

Recall that this World Humanitarian Day has been celebrated since 2009. It marks the anniversary of the attack on the United Nations compound in Baghdad that killed 22 people. The Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello lost his life.