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World Humanitarian Day

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Where is World Humanitarian Day celebrated?  

World Humanitarian Day is celebrated across the globe.

Who is World Humanitarian Day celebrated by?

World Humanitarian Day is observed by the humanitarian community, health workers, and other humanitarian partners.

When did World Humanitarian Day first start?

The United Nations General Assembly initiated World Humanitarian Day on August 19, 2009.

Who started World Humanitarian Day?

World Humanitarian Day was initiated by the United Nations General Assembly. This day was established in honor of the 22 UN staff members who died on August 19, 2003. These aid workers including the Chief Humanitarian in Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello, were killed in a bomb attack on the Canal Hotel in Baghdad.

Sergio Vieira de Mello was the special representative to the United Nations Secretary-General.

History And Timeline

Humanitarian workers contribute to the well-being of vulnerable people. Most of these people live in environments that are constantly challenged by social, political, economic, and environmental crises. Here is a timeline of how World Humanitarian Day was established.

1863

Red Cross

International Committee of the Red Cross was established to support and protect victims of conflicts.

1881

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross was set up to provide disaster and emergency relief in the United States.

2003

Attack On Aid Workers

The UN Headquarters at the Canal Hotel in Baghdad was bombed. This led to the death of at least 22 people including Sergio Vieira de Mello, special representative to the United Nations Secretary-General.

2005

Attack On Aid Workers

In South Sudan, Colin Lee, an International Aid Worker, was ambushed, along with his wife and driver.

2009

World Humanitarian Day

World Humanitarian Day is made official by the United Nations General Assembly.

Traditions And Customs

World Humanitarian Day is a day to remember the countless men and women who have lost their lives providing emergency assistance to vulnerable people in developing countries.

Ways To Observe World Humanitarian Day

Observe World Humanitarian Day by donating to a humanitarian organization. You can also volunteer to help in humanitarian affairs in your community such as an orphanage, nursing home, or hospital. There are many vulnerable people even in developed countries. You can join local efforts to serve less privileged people. Spread the word about humanitarian affairs, such as the current climate crisis, to your peers, family members, and community leaders.

Facts And Stats

  • The United Nations established World Humanitarian Day with the dual goal of pressuring world leaders to understand the plight of people affected by crises and to advocate for the safety of aid workers.
  • In 2021, the theme of World Humanitarian Day was #TheHumanRace. This event focused on the effect of the climate crisis, a global challenge that is wreaking havoc on the lives of vulnerable people.
  • Chief humanitarian in Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello, was killed along with 21 other UN staff members in a bomb attack in 2003 which led to the creation of World Humanitarian Day.

FAQs About World Humanitarian Day

Why do we observe World Humanitarian Day?

World Humanitarian Day is observed to remember the countless aid workers who have died while working for the betterment of the human race.

What is World Humanitarian Day?

World Humanitarian Day is a special day established by the United Nations to honor the humanitarian workers who have lost their lives helping those in need. This day also promotes to world leaders the need to protect the interest of people who are living in challenging conditions.

What was the theme for 2021 World Humanitarian Day?

The theme for 2021 World Humanitarian Day highlighted the global challenge of the climate crisis, which is crippling already vulnerable populations. Humanitarian workers are unable to cope with the massive challenges brought on by the climate crisis. The needs of these vulnerable people due to the climate crisis were brought in front of world leaders in the UN Climate Summit.

What should we do on World Humanitarian Day?

On World Humanitarian Day, you could donate or volunteer for a humanitarian cause.

What is World Humanitarian Day?

World Humanitarian Day celebrates the work and dedication of humanitarian workers.

What is the importance of World Humanitarian Day?

World Humanitarian Day is important because it honors the work of aid workers.

What are some considerations we need to take while celebrating World Humanitarian Day?

World Humanitarian Day celebrates humanitarians and reminds us of the challenges many people around the world are facing.

Who originally directed World Humanitarian Day?

World Humanitarian Day was dedicated to the 22 UN staff members who passed away in a bomb attack in Iraq.

Hashtags To Use On Social Media

#worldhumanitarianday

When Is This Day Celebrated

Date Day
August 19, 2020 Wednesday
August 19, 2021 Thursday
August 19, 2022 Friday
August 19, 2023 Saturday
August 19, 2024 Monday

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