World Humanitarian Day

 The theme of this year’s commemoration overseen by OCHA is an end to the attacks on humanitarians and civilians and impunity under International Humanitarian Law . “We urge those in power to #ActForHumanity,” the UN agency said.  Latest data indicates a 31% of surge in aid worker deaths compared to 2023, driven by the relentless conflict in Gaza. The Strip saw 181 humanitarian workers killed in 2024, with 60 more fatalities in Sudan. More widely, violence against aid workers increased in 21 countries in 2024 compared to the previous year, with State actors the most common perpetrators. Worryingly, there is no sign that the trend is slowing this year, with 265 aid workers killed as of 14 August this year, according to provisional data from the  Worker Security Database . Amid early reports that Hamas has agreed to a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza and ongoing uncertainty about the Israeli plan to pursue a complete military takeover of the enclave, OCHA’s Ms. Cherevko highlight...

A honor guar is pictured at the  Wreath-laying Ceremony to Commemorate 22nd Anniversary of the Bombing of the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq. 

Warring sides must allow and facilitate the safe, rapid and unimpeded delivery of aid to people in need. On Tuesday’s World Humanitarian Day, join us in calling for urgent action to ensure the protection of civilians — including aid workers — in conflict zones.—  United Nations OCHA

  This year, we  call for an end to the attacks on humanitarians and civilians and impunity under International Humanitarian Law . During the occasion, we will  show the importance, effectiveness and positive impact of humanitarian work.   We urge those in power to #ActForHumanity. Join us to commemorate the World Humanitarian Day 2025 on August 19th to pay tribute to humanitarian workers killed and injured in the course of their work , and to honor all aid and health workers who continue to provide life-saving support and protection to people most in need .

Speaking to UN News from the wartorn enclave to mark World Humanitarian Day , Olga Cherevko from the UN aid coordination office, OCHA , said that exhausted aid workers continue to show up for work “day in and day out”. Approaching two years since the start of the war in Gaza, Ms. Cherevko emphasized the commitment of her Palestinian colleagues, “the doctors, the nurses, aid workers who many of them have, lost everything and several times over”. From her base in Deir Al-Balah in central Gaza, Ms. Cherevko reflected on the nature of humanitarian work today and the frustration that aid teams often face when their lifesaving missions are delayed, preventing them from delivering assistance at scale. “I think as a humanitarian, I feel powerless sometimes in Gaza because I know what it is that we can do as humanitarians when we're enabled to do so, both here in Gaza and in any other humanitarian crisis, ” she explained. “The fact that we continue to face massive impediments for deliveri...

On 19 August 2003, a bomb attack on the Canal Hotel in Baghdad killed 22 humanitarian aid workers, including the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello. Five years later, the General Assembly adopted a resolution designating 19 August as World Humanitarian Day. Each year, the international day brings together partners from across the humanitarian system to advocate for the survival, well-being and dignity of people affected by crises, and for the safety and security of aid workers.

Ambulances save lives. They require protection and their movement must not be obstructed.  The wounded and sick must receive the medical attention required by their condition. Those with power and influence: Act For Humanity , protect humanitarian workers and volunteers, facilities, transports, and the patients they serve. August 19th is World Humanitarian Day .