World Humanitarian Day

August 19 marks World Humanitarian Day. This is a time to recognize the merits of aid workers who have given their lives to help those affected by global crises. Since the deaths of 22 UN and aid agencies in a bombing in Baghdad 16 years ago, each year we honor the brave women and men who risked everything to help in need.

What is the objective of World Humanitarian Day?

This is a day to honor brave humanitarian workers whose daily work is dangerous and even life-threatening. However, it is also a day to build public support for these humanitarians: millions of civilians around the world whose lives have been affected by conflict. So, August 19 is the day to ask world leaders to commit to protecting vulnerable civilians and to do more to end the world's conflicts.

What risks do humanitarian workers face?

Humanitarian workers often risk their lives to provide food, shelter or health care to civilians. Many conflict zones also have major problems with political or terrorist groups, who see humanitarian workers as ideal targets for international attention.

How to celebrate Humanitarian Day

It may seem like the world's problems are irreparable, but there are some things that you can do to help in some way. As a first step, inform yourself of the major humanitarian issues facing the world at the moment. With a quick online search, you can also find petitions online asking global leaders to increase their help for civilians in conflict zones and refugees from these situations. Or if you want to help in a more practical way, try following advice from past campaigns for World Humanitarian Day: do something good, somewhere, for someone else.

In addition, you can spread and encourage your friends and family members to take part in volunteer activities to help aid workers. Don’t forget using the hashtag to share on posts in the media.