PURPOSE: The United Nations General Assembly established World Humanitarian Day every year on 19 August by the resolution (A/RES/63/139) to pay tribute to aid workers who risk their lives in humanitarian service, and to rally support for people affected by crises around the world. World Humanitarian Day was commemorated for the first time on 19 August 2009. 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. According to OCHA; In 2023, the number of aid workers killed more than doubled in two years: from 118 in 2022 to 261 in 2023; 78 aid workers were kidnapped and 196 wounded worldwide. According to the International NGO Safety Organisation; The overwhelming majority of humanitarian staff killed or injured are national humanitarian workers. Of the aid workers who died, 96% were national staff and 4% were international (expatriate) staff - more than half (47%) were staff of national NGOs. Data for 2023 in the Aid Worker Security Database shows that South Sudan has been the most dangerous place for aid workers for several consecutive years. Sudan is a close second (as of 17 August 2013).
FORUM: “It’s time for those in power to act for humanity. “ World Humanitarian Day 2024. For This year’s observance, we demand an end to these violations and the impunity with which they are committed. It is time for those in power to end impunity and Act For Humanity. 2023 was the deadliest year on record for humanitarian workers. 2024 could be even worse. These facts lay bare a glaring truth: the world is failing humanitarian workers and, by extension, the people they serve. Despite universally accepted international laws to regulate the conduct of armed conflict and limit its impact, violations of these laws continue unabated, unchallenged and unchecked. And while civilians, including aid workers, pay the ultimate price, the perpetrators continue to evade justice. 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. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #ActForHumanity, #19 August; #WorldHumanitarianDay.
EVENTS: Commemorations of the World Humanitarian day 2024.
At UNHQ in New York, On August 19th, the United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs launches a one-week campaign to honor humanitarian workers. Our 2024 WHD efforts will confront the normalization of attacks on civilians, including humanitarians, and impunity under International Humanitarian Law (IHL). The aim is to build public support to help pressure parties to conflict and world leaders to take action to ensure the protection of civilians, including humanitarians, in conflict zones. We will also release the latest aid worker security data and trends and hold events around the world to demand that those in power Act For Humanity.
CONCERT: UN Chamber Music Society | Virtual Performance in Observance of World Humanitarian Day - In celebration of World Humanitarian Day on Monday, 19 August 2024, the UN Chamber Music Society of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council (UNCMS), will pay special tribute to the real-life heroes from the United Nations and other humanitarian organizations, who have committed their lives to helping others in the most extreme circumstances throughout the world. Daily, the humanitarian community provides life-saving support and protection to those most vulnerable, from refugee camps and displacement settlements to bustling cities and remote areas. As part of the ongoing efforts to support peace and humanitarian aid through music, the music programme will feature “Hold Your Fire”, composed by the renowned musical artist Kadim Al Sahir, and produced in collaboration with the UN Chamber Music Society (Brenda Vongova, Artistic Director). The song is a timeless and evocative track designed to raise awareness about all global crises in the world. Its poignant lyrics resonate with the universal human experiences of pain and loss, transcending specific events to touch the hearts of all. It symbolizes our deep commitment to promoting enduring values of love, solidarity, and unity. Learn more about the virtual performance and listen the concert!
At UN Geneva; On August 19th at 4:00 pm CET a commemorative event will be held at the Palais des Nations, Building E, 3rd Floor; Outside the Human Rights and Alliance of Civilizations Room (Room XX). The Humanitarian partners are coming together to reaffirm that civilians and aid workers caught in conflicts are not a target and to honor humanitarians who strive to meet ever-growing global needs. Register to participate to the event!
PUBLICATIONS: Reports on the humanitarian situation in the Middle east, in Africa and asia.
The Humanitarian Access SCORE Report: Gaza - the first six months (March 2024) estimated that more than 30,000 civilian deaths have included over 150 aid workers, an unprecedented number for a single context in such a short period.
The 2024 Global Humanitarian Overview requires $48.65 billion to assist 186.5 million people in need. As of end of July 2024, reported GHO funding amounts to $12.26 billion or 11 per cent less than last year at the same time.
From OPT to Sudan to Myanmar and beyond, the first half of 2024 was characterized by attacks against health, education and water and sanitation facilities that left millions of people without access to the services they need to survive. (Global Humanitarian Overview 2024)
STATEMENTS: Read the United Nations Secretary-General's message for World Humanitarian Day 2024.
PODCASTS: Around the world, humanitarians work tirelessly to save lives and bring hope to people in need. Let’s focus on the importance, effectiveness and positive impact of humanitarian work. Humanitarian needs are at an all-time high, and aid workers are working in ever more dangerous environments. Listen to the audio-podcasts!
CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: 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 August 19th, join our call to end these violations and the impunity that allows them. The World Humanitarian Day campaign is prepared by the United Nations OCHA. Get the communication materials!
Annual observance of World Humanitarian Day at the Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland.
World Humanitarian Day is an opportunity to pay tribute to colleagues who have lost their lives in humanitarian service and to honour the thousands of aid workers who continue to provide much needed support to people suffering from conflicts or disasters across the world. As the world's humanitarian capital, Geneva plays a central role in bringing together partners to ensure an effective humanitarian response. Watch the Livestream!
Wreath-laying ceremony to commemorate the 21st anniversary of the Baghdad bombing.
Wreath-laying ceremony to honour colleagues who lost their lives at the Canal Hotel, Baghdad. Watch it in streaming!
TESTIMONY: Survivor of the Canal Hotel Bombing Reflects on the Attack.
On the afternoon of 19 August 2003, the United Nations headquarters in the Canal Hotel in Baghdad was badly damaged by a devastating bomb attack. The blast resulted in the death of 22 people, including the then High Commissioner for Human Rights, Sergio Vieira de Mello. The bomb was targeting the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI). Among the survivors was Francis Mead, who was working for UNICEF at the time. In this video, Mr. Mead watches footage of the bombing and shares his memories of the attack. He talks about the chaos and confusion of the moment, the fear and pain he felt, but also how he still believes in humanitarian work and why it is valuable. Watch the survivor testimony!
WHY WE CELEBRATE THE DAY?
HOW TO GET INVOLVED?
PARTNERSHIPS
Join a team of humanitarians in action.
Rethink and Relate the dangerous conditions in which humanitarian, medical and aid workers are confronted to help others in need,
Pay tribute to the Humanitarian workers who lost their lives in line of duty.
Ensure the safety and security of aid workers.
Advocate for the survival, well-being and dignity of people affected by crises
Participate to humanitarian action
Share food crisis appeal
Respond to UNOCHA’ emergency appeals
Invite the public to react on humanitarian emergencies.
On 19 August 2003, a bomb attack on the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq, killed 22 humanitarian aid workers, including the United Nations 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 (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.
The World Humanitarian Day is organized by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA); The International Organization for Migration (IOM); The United Nations Volunteer Programme (UN-Volunteer); The Delivering Humanitarian Aid; The Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC); The UN World Food Programme (WFP); The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR); The UN Children's Agency (UNICEF); The World Health Organization (WHO) with the participation of Civil society organizations; Non-Governmental Organizations; Public and Private sectors, Humanitarian Workers and academics.