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Today marks World Humanitarian Day
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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Aid workers are the messengers we send to show solidarity with the disadvantaged. They represent the best of human nature. But their work is dangerous. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
The UN General Assembly declared August 19 as World Humanitarian Day by its resolution of December 11, 2008. By introducing this date into the calendar, the United Nations set the task of raising public awareness of humanitarian aid activities around the world. In addition, the establishment of Humanitarian Day reminds us of the importance of international cooperation in this area and pays tribute to all those who have worked and continue to work in it.
According to experts, the ability of the humanitarian community to quickly and effectively respond to various crises and disasters caused by natural or human factors, as well as to anticipate them, has increased significantly over the past decades. This has happened largely due to the selfless work of many thousands of people who have chosen to work in the field of humanitarian aid. Their work is a clear illustration of the fact that assistance to those in need should and can be provided regardless of religion, race or gender, the UN resolution emphasizes.
World Humanitarian Day is a day of awareness-raising and educational events. It is also a day when the world remembers those who lost their lives while saving others. One of them is United Nations employee Sergio Vieira de Mello, who died in a Baghdad hotel explosion. It happened on August 19, 2003 - and the date for World Humanitarian Day was chosen in honor of this sad event.