New Delhi: World Humanitarian Day, held on August 19, honours humanitarian aid workers worldwide. Established by the UN in 2009, this day commemorates the anniversary of the bombing of the United Nations headquarters in Iraq. Humanitarian aid workers provide life-saving assistance to suffering people globally.
Anyone can be a humanitarian, so read on to learn more about the day and how you can help. This day pays tribute to the workers who have given their lives and suffered injuries during their work, honouring their service and dedication. Every year, a theme is set for the day, and this year’s theme is ‘#ActForHumanity’.
World Humanitarian Day 2024: What is the theme for this year?
World Humanitarian Day (WHD) is an annual event with a specific theme. It unites partners from the humanitarian field to promote the survival, well-being, and dignity of individuals impacted by crises and advocate for the safety and security of aid workers. The United Nations Office organises WHD for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and its partners.
This year’s World Humanitarian Day 2024 theme is ‘#ActForHumanity’.
According to the United Nations (UN), in 2024, humanitarian aid efforts will focus on addressing the growing acceptance of attacks on civilians, including those providing humanitarian assistance, and the lack of accountability under International Humanitarian Law (IHL).
The goal is to rally public support and pressure conflicting parties and global leaders to take concrete steps to safeguard civilians, including humanitarian workers, in areas affected by conflict.
Why the theme #ActForHumanity?
According to the United Nations Organizations, in 2023, the world witnessed the highest number of humanitarian worker deaths in history, and there are fears that 2024 could be even more devastating. These stark realities highlight a distressing truth: the global community is failing humanitarian workers and, in turn, the vulnerable populations they strive to assist.
Despite the existence of universally recognised international laws intended to regulate the conduct of armed conflicts and minimise their impact, violations of these laws persist without accountability.
Meanwhile, innocent civilians, including aid workers, continue to bear the brunt of these transgressions while the perpetrators remain untouched by justice.
This systemic failure must not be allowed to persist. Attacks on humanitarian workers and assets, as well as on civilians and civilian infrastructure, must end.
On this World Humanitarian Day, the UN assertively call for an immediate halt to these violations and demand that those responsible be held accountable for their actions. Those in positions of power must end impunity and take decisive action for the sake of humanity.
World Humanitarian Day 2024: Facts & Figures
As we observe this year’s World Humanitarian Day, let’s examine some numbers and facts compiled by the UN.
According to The Humanitarian Access SCORE Report for Gaza, in the first six months of 2024, it was estimated that more than 30,000 civilians lost their lives, including over 150 aid workers. This is an unprecedented number for a single context within such a short timeframe.
The 2024 Global Humanitarian Overview indicates that $48.65 billion is required to assist 186.5 million needy people. However, as of the end of July 2024, reported funding amounts to $12.26 billion, which is 11% less than the previous year at the same time.
From OPT to Sudan to Myanmar and beyond, the first half of 2024 saw attacks against health, education, and water and sanitation facilities, leaving millions of people without access to essential services for survival.
In 2023, the number of aid workers killed more than doubled in two years, from 118 in 2022 to 261 in 2023. Additionally, 78 aid workers were kidnapped, and 196 were wounded worldwide in 2023. Most of the humanitarian staff killed or injured were national humanitarian workers.
The data for 2023 in the Aid Worker Security Database indicates that South Sudan has been the most dangerous place for aid workers for several consecutive years, with Sudan as a close second as of August 17, 2013.
World Humanitarian Day 2024: The Canal Hotel bombing in Baghdad, Iraq, on August 19, 2003, resulted in the deaths of 22 humanitarian aid workers, prompting the United Nations to establish World Humanitarian Day on the same date. This annual campaign advocates for the well-being of people affected by crises and the safety of aid workers. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
