Today is World Humanitarian Day, which is designated by the UN to honour humanitarian efforts worldwide. The day recognizes those who work to help others in crisis-affected areas, often under dangerous and challenging conditions.
In a time of increasing number and complexity of humanitarian crises, World Humanitarian Day plays an important role in highlighting global solidarity and the necessity of supporting the most vulnerable. It reminds us that humanity, compassion, and cooperation can make a big difference for people living under extremely difficult circumstances.
World Humanitarian Day has a specific theme: raising awareness of various humanitarian issues yearly. Themes can range from the impact of climate change on vulnerable populations to the importance of protecting civilians in conflicts. The goal is to gather global support for the most susceptible and unite efforts to address international humanitarian crises.
The day is observed through social media campaigns, events, and fundraisers worldwide. International organizations, non-profits, and various UN bodies highlight stories from the field and share knowledge on how we can all contribute to humanitarian efforts.
Linnea, OLS Community Manager – Swedish
In a time of increasing number and complexity of humanitarian crises, World Humanitarian Day plays an important role in highlighting global solidarity and the necessity of supporting the most vulnerable. It reminds us that humanity, compassion, and cooperation can make a big difference for people living under extremely difficult circumstances.
The Background of the Day
World Humanitarian Day was celebrated for the first time in 2009. The date, August 19, was chosen to honour the memory of the attack on the UN headquarters in Baghdad in 2003, where 22 people, including the UN's special envoy Sergio Vieira de Mello, lost their lives.World Humanitarian Day has a specific theme: raising awareness of various humanitarian issues yearly. Themes can range from the impact of climate change on vulnerable populations to the importance of protecting civilians in conflicts. The goal is to gather global support for the most susceptible and unite efforts to address international humanitarian crises.
Humanitarian Workers
Humanitarian workers work to save lives, alleviate suffering, and uphold human dignity during and after crises. They work in areas such as food distribution, healthcare, education, and the protection of human rights in conflict- and disaster-affected regions. These individuals often risk their own lives to help others.The day is observed through social media campaigns, events, and fundraisers worldwide. International organizations, non-profits, and various UN bodies highlight stories from the field and share knowledge on how we can all contribute to humanitarian efforts.
Linnea, OLS Community Manager – Swedish