2023 marked the deadliest year on record for humanitarian workers and 2024 could be even worse.
Despite 75 years of international law to protect civilians and aid workers, violations continue. Civilians and humanitarian workers are paying the price with their lives, while those responsible escape justice.
On World Humanitarian Day, August 19, join our call to end these violations and the impunity that allows them. #ActForHumanity
Background
On 19 August 2003, a bomb attack on the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq, killed 22 humanitarian aid workers, including the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello. Five years later, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution designating 19 August as World Humanitarian Day (WHD).
Each year, WHD focuses on a theme, bringing 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.
For this year’s WHD, we show the importance, effectiveness and positive impact of humanitarian work.
WHD is a campaign by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
Ceremony
On 19 August, UN Geneva hosted a commemorative event in the memory of those who paid the utmost sacrifice in line of duty and to honour the invaluable contribution of humanitarian workers.
Messages on World Humanitarian Day
“We function under the principles of the UN charter and the UN flag. Everybody needs a peace and a solution that is based on the UN principles.”
– Ben Majekodunmi, UNRWA Chief of Staff
"Wherever we work, we inform the authorities & all the parties to the conflict where we are moving, where we are, where assets are based. Despite this, they're being attacked. There's no real excuse for doing this"
- Ramesh Rajasingham, Head, OCHA Geneva
"We very rarely see anyone brought to justice, and the fact that we're seeing an increased number of attacks shows that the blue UN flag is no longer protection, but it's even a target."
- Laura Johnson, UN Geneva Staff Union
“Stand in Solidarity” moment with UN Geneva staff
