New Delhi: Every year on August 19, World Humanitarian Day is observed. The day recognises humanitarian personnel and those who have laid down their lives while working for humanitarian causes. The United Nations General Assembly designated it as part of a Swedish-sponsored GA Resolution and marked August 19 as the date to celebrate this day annually. In this article, we will learn about the importance of this day.
World Humanitarian Day: What is its importance?
Notably, the very origin of World Humanitarian Day lies in a very violent incident. On August 19, 2003, a bombing of the UN Headquarters in Baghdad killed the then Special Representative of the Secretary-General to Iraq, Sérgio Vieira de Mello and 21 of his colleagues. Hence, this particular day has been chosen for the day’s observance.
All over the world, there are international laws which have been accepted by the majority of the countries on this planet to regulate the conduct of armed conflict and limit its impact. However, these laws are violated to this day and they are unchecked and unchallenged. The violation of these laws makes the situation extremely difficult for civilians including aid workers who lose their lives while the perpetrators avoid punishment.
Over the years, attacks on those involved in humanitarian efforts have become common and they violate International Humanitarian Law (IHL). For example in 2023 alone, those attacks killed 280 humanitarians and most of them were national staff who were helping their communities. When it comes to 2024, so far, the attacks have killed over 170 humanitarians and at least another 150 have been injured or abducted.
Respect for international humanitarian law
Every year, World Humanitarian Day pays honour to those who have lost their lives during humanitarian works all over the world and highlights the need for every party in an armed conflict to follow and respect international humanitarian law. It is those people who arrive to help with food, medical aid and clothes when a region becomes riddled with deadly conflicts jeopardising the lives of common people. International humanitarian law includes,
The need to ensure the safety of all civilians including humanitarian workers and humanitarian assets.
Every part must allow humanitarian aid to reach all civilians who are in need, safely, quickly and without facing any kind of hurdle.
The need to care for wounded and sick people and to safeguard and protect medical personnel, their transports and facilities.
To Protect objects like crops and drinking water which are indispensable for the survival of the civilians.
The law also mandates to treat everyone humanely and strictly prohibits inhumane forms of treatment including torture and sexual violence.
Notably, the very origin of World Humanitarian Day lies in a very violent incident. On August 19, 2003, a bombing of the UN Headquarters in Baghdad killed the then Special Representative of the Secretary-General to Iraq, Sérgio Vieira de Mello and 21 of his colleagues. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
