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.
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).
Programme
World Humanitarian Day 2024 – Commemoration Ceremony
Monday, 19 August 2024, 4 p.m.
Palais des Nations, Building E, 3rd Floor
Outside the Human Rights and Alliance of Civilizations Room
(Room XX)
4 p.m. Opening of the event:
Master of ceremony: Mr. Michele Zaccheo, OiC, United Nations Information Service
Wreath laying and candle lightning ceremony by the United Nations
Laying of flowers by the survivors and families of the victims of the attack against the United Nations Offices in Baghdad of 19 August 2003, and other UN Offices
Laying of flowers by the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Iraq to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva
Remarks by Ms. Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General, United Nations Office at Geneva
Minute of silence
Remarks by H.E. Mr. Abdul-Karim Hashim Mostafa, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Iraq to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva
Remarks by Mr. Ben Majekodunmi, Chief of Staff, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)
Remarks by Ms. Laura Johnson, Executive Secretary, UNOG Staff Union
Remarks by Mr. Ramesh Rajasingham, Head and Representative of United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Geneva and Director of the Coordination Division, Geneva
5 p.m. Conclusion of the event
The event will be webcast at http://webtv.un.org
Register here: https://indico.un.org/event/1012645/