World Humanitarian Day is observed every year on 19 August in a bid to save and protect lives around the world. The occasion is observed to recognise the work done by humanitarians around the world by venturing into disaster-stricken regions and onto the front lines to save and protect people's lives.
In a statement about this year's World Humanitarian Day, UN noted, “This year, our World Humanitarian Day campaign brings together the global humanitarian community to mark the twentieth anniversary of the attack on the UN headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq, and to show our unwavering commitment to deliver for the communities we serve, no matter who, no matter where and #NoMatterWhat.”
In 2008, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution designating 19 August as World Humanitarian Day to honour the memory of those who lost their lives in the Baghdad bombings. The 19 August 2003 attack on the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq, killed two humanitarian workers, including the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello.
According to the UN, the theme of World Humanitarian Day each year focuses on bringing together partners across the humanitarian system to advocate for the survival, well-being and dignity of people affected by crises.
The theme for World Humanitarian Day 2023 is 'No matter what'. It focuses on showcasing the importance, effectiveness and positive impact of humanitarian work around the world.
“Humanitarian work is difficult and dangerous, but we don't give up on our commitment to overcome the challenges and deliver life-saving assistance to people in need, #NoMatterWhat.” a UN release on the occassion read.
According to UN data, 362 million people in the world are in need of humanitarian assistance by the middle of 2023. Moreover, 444 humanitarian aid workers were attacked, 116 killed, 143 wounded and 185 kidnapped during 2022.
World Humanitarian Day serves as an important reminder of the challenges faced by humanitarian workers around the world in delivering aid to people in need. It also serves as an expression of the UN's commitment to reaching people in need of humanitarian assistance, while upholding the values of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence.
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