Published by: Niband Vinod
Last updated: August 19, 2024 06:50 IST
The theme for World Humanitarian Day 2024 is “Acting for Humanity.” (Image: Shutterstock)
World Humanitarian Day commemorates the 2003 bombing of the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq, which killed 22 people.
Established by the United Nations, World Humanitarian Day is observed every year on August 19 to honour humanitarian workers who risk their lives to provide aid and assistance to people in need. The day is also an opportunity to raise awareness of humanitarian work globally.
The day also aims to encourage global action to support people affected by crises such as natural disasters, conflicts and other emergencies.
World Humanitarian Day 2024 Theme
The theme for World Humanitarian Day 2024 is “Act for Humanity”. This theme highlights the importance of protecting all humanity. This year's theme calls for an end to violence and impunity for perpetrators, greater respect for the rules of war and holding those in power accountable. The central message is that 2023 was the deadliest year on record for humanitarian workers and 2024 is set to be even worse.
History and Significance of World Humanitarian Day
World Humanitarian Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2008 and first observed on 19 August 2009. The day commemorates the 2003 bombing of the United Nations Headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq, which killed 22 people, including the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Sérgio Vieira de Mello.
The Canal Hotel bombing in Baghdad was a tragic incident that drew global attention to the dangers faced by humanitarian workers, leading the United Nations to decide to establish a day of memorial for those who lose their lives while serving in humanitarian roles.
The day also raises awareness of ongoing humanitarian crises around the world and acts as a catalyst for global action to help those in need.
The increase in attacks against humanitarian workers and repeated violations of international law protecting them speaks to the need for global awareness and action: 591 humanitarian workers have fallen victim to attacks in 2023 alone, highlighting the growing risks they face.
The day is a call to action for governments, organizations and individuals to support humanitarian efforts, highlighting the need for collective action to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those who need it most, and calling for the protection of humanitarian workers under international law.
World Humanitarian Day celebration
Spread awareness by participating in and promoting the official theme of World Humanitarian Day on social media. Organize or participate in webinars, workshops, and discussions that focus on humanitarian issues, the challenges aid workers face, and the importance of international humanitarian law. Donate to humanitarian organizations working in crisis-affected areas. These donations can help with emergency relief efforts, healthcare, education, and other essential services. Sign petitions or write letters to government representatives, advocating for the protection of humanitarian workers, adhering to international humanitarian law, and supporting global humanitarian efforts. Take the time to educate yourself and others and learn about the global humanitarian efforts being made to address those issues. Understanding the complexity of these issues can encourage informed action.
World Humanitarian Day Quotes
“Life's most persistent and earnest question is, 'What are you doing for others?'” – Martin Luther King Jr. “If you cannot feed a hundred, feed just one.” – Mother Teresa “Whatever you do is insignificant, but it is crucial that you do it.” – Mahatma Gandhi “Injustice has existed for as long as the world has existed. But the world is one, and the smaller and more accessible it becomes, the more so. There is no question that those who have have an obligation to give to those who have nothing.” – Audrey Hepburn “Overcoming poverty is not an act of charity, it is an act of justice. Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and can be overcome and eradicated by human action. Sometimes it depends on a generation to be great. You can be that great generation. “Let your greatness blossom.” – Nelson Mandela. Nibandh Vinod Nibandh Vinod is a veteran journalist who specializes in covering events & festivals and promoting SEO content for News18.com. Nibandh is a tech-savvy…Read More
Source link
