World Humanitarian Day is more than just a day to recognise the selfless efforts of humanitarian workers; it serves as a reminder that these individuals make our lives easier and safer.
It acknowledges the sacrifices of aid workers who risk their lives to help those affected by global crises.
The United Nations General Assembly established this observance in memory of the 22 UN aid workers, including Sérgio Vieira de Mello, who lost their lives in the 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad.
Sérgio, born and raised in Brazil, dedicated three decades to aiding victims of armed conflict, ensuring their stories were heard worldwide.
He was instrumental in drafting the proposal for World Humanitarian Day, emphasising the importance of creating awareness among those in peaceful regions about the human impact of war.
Following this tragic event, the Sérgio Vieira de Mello Foundation, along with de Mello’s family and ambassadors from France, Switzerland, Japan, and Brazil, championed the initiative to establish a special day through the General Assembly.
In 2009, the United Nations General Assembly officially inaugurated the first World Humanitarian Day. This day honors brave relief workers like Sérgio, who tirelessly strive to improve the lives of the underprivileged and those whose homes and livelihoods are threatened by conflict.
In 2019, at least 483 relief workers were kidnapped, attacked, or killed, and the situation remained dire in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Each year, the United Nations selects a theme for World Humanitarian Day, uniting people across the humanitarian spectrum to enhance and raise awareness for the survival, well-being, and dignity of those affected by crises, and for the safety of humanitarian workers.
One notable observance themed ‘The Human Race’ focused on the global climate change emergency, highlighting its immediate consequences for the world’s most vulnerable populations and raising awareness for their well-being.
World Humanitarian Day is observed every 19th of August to honor the dedication, commitment, and sacrifice of humanitarians worldwide. The United Nations states:
“No matter the danger or the hardship, humanitarians venture deep into disaster-stricken regions and, on the front lines of conflict, strive to save and protect people in need.”
— United Nations
This day aims to promote the well-being, dignity, and survival of those affected by disasters, as well as the safety and security of the aid workers who rush to assist them. Like other international observances, it serves to raise awareness and educate the public on global challenges and issues.
The World Economic Forum’s 2023 Global Risks Report highlights the risks of geo-economic confrontation and the erosion of social cohesion and societal polarisation. In this context, the role of humanitarians in both preventing and responding to these risks is crucial.
Why is Humanitarian Day Held on 19 August?
World Humanitarian Day marks the anniversary of the 2003 bomb attack on the UN headquarters at Canal Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq, which killed 22 humanitarian workers. This year represents the 20th anniversary of the attack, which also claimed the life of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello.