As World Humanitarian Day is observed on August 19, the United Nations is urging solidarity with the oppressed and marginalized individuals worldwide.
This year’s UN theme for Humanitarian Day is #ActForHumanity. This embodies the idea of working for the betterment of humanity. However, for months, we have been hearing desperate pleas from various parts of the world. In Gaza alone, over 40,000 people have lost their lives due to Israeli attacks over a period of ten months, with more than 17,000 children among the deceased, including 2,100 children under the age of two. Around 92,401 individuals have sustained injuries, and approximately 250 of the deceased were volunteers. In 2023, 280 people were killed across 33 countries. As per UN reports, 163 individuals were killed in Gaza within just three months due to Israeli attacks. Additionally, at least 34 volunteers have been killed in South Sudan, a country plagued by civil unrest.
Seven people were killed in Israel and Syria, six in Ethiopia and Ukraine, five in Somalia, and four in Myanmar and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Many volunteers are detained in Yemen.
History of International Philanthropy Day
On August 19, 2003, a bomb attack occurred at the UN headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq. This incident, known as the Canal Hotel bombing, resulted in the deaths of 21 UN volunteers and the then-Secretary-General’s Special Representative in Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello. The attack was orchestrated by an organization named Jamaat Tawhidi Waljihad, intended to disrupt a five-day aid operation in Iraq. Five years later, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) designated August 19 as World Humanitarian Day.
207 @UNRWA team members have been killed in #Gaza since the war began – including while on duty.
They were engineers, teachers, medical personnel. They were humanitarian workers. On #WorldHumanitarianDay and every day, we remember and honor them all. #ActForHumanity pic.twitter.com/NsPA98am88
— UNRWA (@UNRWA) August 19, 2024
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World Humanitarian Day: A Call to #ActForHumanity
As the World Humanitarian Day is celebrated on August 19, the United Nations is calling for solidarity with the oppressed and marginalized people of the world. This year’s UN theme for Humanitarian Day is #ActForHumanity. This initiative emphasizes the importance of working collectively for humanity, especially in these times of increasing humanitarian crises across the globe.
The Current Humanitarian Crisis
For months, the world has witnessed horrifying acts of violence and oppression. In Gaza alone, more than 40,000 people have lost their lives due to ongoing Israeli attacks in just ten months. Alarmingly, the number of children killed exceeds 17,000, including 2,100 toddlers below the age of two. The total number of injured people sits at 92,401, with about 250 volunteers among those killed.
Global Statistics of Humanitarian Impact
| Region | Deaths | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Gaza | 40,000 | 10 months of Israeli attacks |
| Children under 2 in Gaza | 2,100 | Tragic loss of young lives |
| Injuries | 92,401 | Widespread suffering |
| Global (2023) | 280 | In 33 different countries |
| Deaths in Gaza due to attacks | 163 | In just three months |
| Volunteers killed in South Sudan | 34 | Civil strife impact |
A Glimpse at Violence Against Humanitarians
In 2023, the peril faced by humanitarian workers remains grave. Reports reveal that:
- Seven workers were killed in Israel and Syria.
- Six lives were lost in Ethiopia and Ukraine.
- Five humanitarian workers were killed in Somalia.
- Four fatalities were noted in Myanmar and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Numerous volunteers are currently imprisoned in Yemen.
The History of World Humanitarian Day
World Humanitarian Day has its roots in a tragic event that underscored the dangers faced by humanitarian workers. On August 19, 2003, a devastating bomb attack occurred at the UN headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq. This incident, known as the Canal Hotel bombing, resulted in the deaths of 21 UN volunteers, including Sergio Vieira de Mello, the then-Secretary-General’s Special Representative in Iraq. The attack was orchestrated by the organization Jamaat Tawhidi Waljihad, aiming to thwart a crucial five-day aid operation in Iraq.
In the aftermath, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) recognized the need to honor humanitarian workers, leading to the official declaration of August 19 as World Humanitarian Day five years later.
207 @UNRWA team members have been killed in #Gaza since the war began – including in the line of duty. They were engineers, teachers, medical staff. They were humanitarian workers. On #WorldHumanitarianDay and every day we remember and pay tribute to them all. #ActForHumanity pic.twitter.com/NsPA98am88
— UNRWA (@UNRWA) August 19, 2024
Benefits of Supporting Humanitarian Actions
Taking action for humanity brings numerous benefits, not just for those in need, but for society as a whole:
- Promotes Global Solidarity: Engaging in humanitarian efforts helps to foster a sense of unity among different nations and cultures.
- Empowers Communities: Humanitarian aid often includes tools and resources that empower communities to rebuild and thrive independently.
- Enhances Resilience: Supporting humanitarian actions builds resilience against future crises.
- Fosters Empathy: Getting involved in humanitarian causes nurtures compassion, prompting individuals to care for others in their communities.
Practical Tips for Getting Involved
Here are ways you can contribute to humanitarian causes and embody the spirit of #ActForHumanity:
- Donate: Consider contributing to reputable humanitarian organizations that provide aid to those in need.
- Volunteer your time: Many NGOs seek volunteers to conduct on-the-ground activities or assist remotely.
- Spread Awareness: Use social media and personal networks to inform others about humanitarian crises and encourage them to partake in the efforts.
- Participate in Events: Join local humanitarian activities, marches, or fundraisers to connect with fellow supporters.
First-Hand Experiences: Stories of Humanitarian Workers
Humanitarian workers often share transformative stories that underline the profound impact they make in crisis zones. Here are some excerpts from their experiences:
Maria, Medical Volunteer in South Sudan: “It’s heartbreaking to see families struggling without basic health care. But every life I save fuels my passion to continue.”
James, Aid Worker in Gaza: “Each child I help reminds me of my own. It’s not just a job; it’s my duty as a human being.”
Conclusion
World Humanitarian Day serves as a poignant reminder of the strength and resilience of humanity in the face of adversity. On August 19, we not only remember those who have suffered but also encourage everyone to #ActForHumanity. Whether through volunteering, donating, or raising awareness, every action counts in making our world a better place.
