PURPOSE: The United Nations General Assembly established World Humanitarian Day every year on 19 August by the resolution (A/RES/63/139) to pay tribute to aid workers who risk their lives in humanitarian service, and to rally support for people affected by crises around the world. World Humanitarian Day was commemorated for the first time on 19 August 2009. Each year, WHD focuses on a theme, bringing together partners from across the humanitarian system to advocate for the survival, well-being and dignity of people affected by crises, and for the safety and security of aid workers.
FORUM: “No matter what “ World Humanitarian Day 2023. Today, 20 years on, the UNOCHA work has grown in scale and complexity to help almost 250 million people – 10 times more people than in 2003. As their efforts have grown, they face several challenges. From rising geopolitical tensions and the blatant disregard of international humanitarian law, to deliberate attacks and disinformation campaigns, our work is more difficult and dangerous than ever. Amid these trials they have grown stronger, and they became closer to the women, men and children they serve. Their ventures deep into disaster-stricken regions and closer to the front lines of conflict with no other purpose than saving and protecting lives and delivering the basics of life: food, water, shelter, education, health, nutrition and protection. To lear, how aid workers come together in a collective effort to help others. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #Nomatterwho, #Nomatterwhere, #NoMatterWhat, #19 August; #WorldHumanitarianDay.
EVENTS: This year celebration takes place on Saturday 19th August. To mark the World Humanitarian day 2023, the United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs.and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs launches a one-week campaign to honour humanitarian workers. Under the theme “No matter what”, On this WHD, we will reaffirm our commitment to the values and humanitarian principles that guide us and show that we stand shoulder to shoulder with the communities we serve.
STATEMENTS: United Nations Secretary-General's message for World Humanitarian Day 2023.
PODCASTS: Let’s focus on the importance, effectiveness and positive impact of humanitarian work. Humanitarian needs are at an all-time high, and aid workers are working in ever more dangerous environments. Listen to the audio-podcasts!
CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: Around the world, humanitarians work tirelessly to save lives and bring hope to people in need.. Join the campaign “No matter who; No matter where; No matter what.”. The World Humanitarian Day campaign is prepared by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Get the communication materials!
Annual observance of World Humanitarian Day at the Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland.
World Humanitarian Day is an opportunity to pay tribute to colleagues who have lost their lives in humanitarian service and to honour the thousands of aid workers who continue to provide much needed support to people suffering from conflicts or disasters across the world. As the world's humanitarian capital, Geneva plays a central role in bringing together partners to ensure an effective humanitarian response. Watch the Livetream!
Wreath-laying ceremony to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Baghdad bombing.
Wreath-laying ceremony to honour colleagues who lost their lives at the Canal Hotel, Baghdad. Watch it in streaming!
Survivor of the Canal Hotel Bombing Reflects on the Attack.
On the afternoon of 19 August 2003, the United Nations headquarters in the Canal Hotel in Baghdad was badly damaged by a devastating bomb attack. The blast resulted in the death of 22 people, including the then High Commissioner for Human Rights, Sergio Vieira de Mello. The bomb was targeting the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI). Among the survivors was Francis Mead, who was working for UNICEF at the time. In this video, Mr. Mead watches footage of the bombing and shares his memories of the attack. He talks about the chaos and confusion of the moment, the fear and pain he felt, but also how he still believes in humanitarian work and why it is valuable. Watch the survivor testimony!
WHY WE CELEBRATE THE DAY?
HOW TO GET INVOLVED?
PARTNERSHIPS
Join a team of humanitarians in action.
Rethink and Relate the dangerous conditions in which humanitarian, medical and aid workers are confronted to help others in need,
Pay tribute to the Humanitarian workers who lost their lives in line of duty.
Ensure the safety and security of aid workers.
Advocate for the survival, well-being and dignity of people affected by crises
Participate to humanitarian action
Share food crisis appeal
Respond to UNOCHA’ emergency appeals
Invite the public to react on humanitarian emergencies.
On 19 August 2003, a bomb attack on the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq, killed 22 humanitarian aid workers, including the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello. Five years later, the General Assembly adopted a resolution designating 19 August as World Humanitarian Day (WHD). Each year, WHD focuses on a theme, bringing together partners from across the humanitarian system to advocate for the survival, well-being and dignity of people affected by crises, and for the safety and security of aid workers.
The World Humanitarian Day is organized by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA); The International Organization for Migration (IOM); The United Nations Volunteer Programme (UN-Volunteer); The Delivering Humanitarian Aid; The Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC); The UN World Food Programme (WFP); The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR); The UN Children's Agency (UNICEF); The World Health Organization (WHO) with the participation of Civil society organizations; Non-Governmental Organizations; Public and Private sectors, Humanitarian Workers and academics.