Director-General's remarks on World Humanitarian Day 2024

World Humanitarian Day 2024 – Commemoration Ceremony

Monday, 19 August 2024, 4.00 p.m. 

Palais des Nations, Building E, 3^rd Floor

Outside Room XX (the Human Rights and Alliance of Civilizations Room)

Dear humanitarian workers, 

Dear survivors of attacks on humanitarian workers,

Dear families and friends of colleagues lost in humanitarian service, 

Excellencies,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Today, we commemorate World Humanitarian Day and honor our brave colleagues who risk their lives to provide aid and protection to those in dire need. 

As the UN Secretary-General António Guterres stressed in his message, “Wherever there is human suffering, humanitarian aid workers are striving to alleviate hardship and pain. On World Humanitarian Day, we once again salute their courage, their determination, and their service to humanity”. 

2023 was the deadliest year for humanitarian personnel, and the situation in 2024 is not improving - in Gaza, in Sudan, and in many other places where the UN and other organizations provide life-saving aid. Humanitarian workers are being killed, injured, and abducted every day.

I invite you all – those here in Geneva and those following us virtually from Baghdad, Algiers, Gaza, and elsewhere – to join me in a moment of silence in memory of our colleagues who paid the ultimate price in the service of humanity.  

Thank you.

This is a very emotional day for all of us here in Geneva. Behind me, engraved are the names of colleagues who paid their ultimate sacrifice in service of humanity: 22 UN staff members, including the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello, who tragically lost their lives on 19 August 2003; and 17 UN staff members who perished in another barbaric attack in Algiers four years later. Your names remain forever engraved in our hearts. Our thoughts today are also with all the survivors and all the families who lost their loved ones, and many are present with us today, like every year. 

It is tragic that we keep losing our dear colleagues every year across the world as humanitarian service becomes more and more dangerous because of conflicts or natural disasters like in Haiti.   

This day reminds us of the crucial, impactful, and lifesaving work carried out by humanitarian workers worldwide. It embodies the founding principles of the United Nations: maintaining global peace, fostering relations among Member States, and reducing poverty and inequalities. 

In just two days, on 21 August, we will also observe the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism. This year’s theme, “Voices for Peace: Victims of Terrorism as Peace Advocates and Educators,” resonates deeply with today’s commemoration. 

Ladies and gentlemen,

Humanitarianism has deep historical roots. From the first Geneva Convention of 1864 to the formation of the International Committee of the Red Cross, humanity has long recognized the importance of compassion and care in times of crisis. These early efforts paved the way for today’s comprehensive humanitarian frameworks. 

As this month marks the 75^th anniversary of the four Geneva Conventions of August 1949, let us take this occasion to call for the protection of the human rights of civilians in war and, more globally, for the respect of international humanitarian law.

The increasing complexity of global crises, from protracted conflicts to climate-induced disasters, has been testing our resilience and capabilities, and putting the lives of UN humanitarian workers at risk.

This year’s observance takes place against the backdrop of the ongoing hostilities in Gaza where more than 200 UN staff have lost their lives. Let me acknowledge the presence with us today of the Chief of Staff of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (Mr. Benjamin Majekodunmi) and of all UNRWA colleagues and family members who are following us remotely. On behalf of the Geneva international family, I would like to tell you that our thoughts and hearts are with all of you who continue serving the Organization in such challenging circumstances.

Indeed, despite great dangers, humanitarian operations coordinated by the United Nations continue to provide life-saving aid to millions of people worldwide. Today, we honor the many inspiring and dedicated men and women we have lost. Their legacy remains a guiding light for everyone in our UN family and beyond. 

As the UN Secretary-General pointed out, “Celebrating humanitarians is not enough. We must all do more to protect and safeguard our common humanity”. I encourage everyone to join the #ActForHumanity campaign, our collective effort to raise awareness and to advocate for the safety and security of aid workers worldwide. 

Together, we can make a difference and ensure that the sacrifices of our brave colleagues are not in vain.

Thank you.