2023-08-18 02:45:16
World Humanitarian Day is celebrated on August 19 each year. This anniversary, which has been celebrated since 2008, aims to honor those who risk their lives to offer humanitarian aid in crisis situations and natural disasters, as well as to raise awareness about the importance of humanitarian assistance throughout the world.
On August 19, 2003, a bomb attack at the Canal Hotel in Baghdad (Iraq) killed 22 humanitarian workersamong whom was the special representative of the UN Secretary General for Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello. Five years later, in 2008, the General Assembly adopted the resolution A/RES/63/139 which established August 19 as World Humanitarian Day (WHD or World Humanitarian Day in English).
Each year, on World Humanitarian Day, a specific theme is chosen that brings together partners from across the humanitarian field to advocate for the survival, well-being and dignity of those affected by various crises.
In addition, the safety of professionals dedicated to providing humanitarian aid is promoted. In this 2023 edition, the aim is to highlight the commitment of these workers to the people they assist, regardless of their origin, location or situation. The campaign uses the hashtag #EstamosAquí to emphasize that they are all united by a shared mission to save and protect lives.
World Humanitarian Day is an initiative promoted by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), which seeks to raise awareness and action for the benefit of those facing crises and urgent needs around the world.
460 attacks, with 203 injuries, 140 deaths and 117 kidnappings
According to the report of the humanitarian worker safety database, in 2021, 460 aid workers were attacked: 140 were killed, 203 injured and 117 kidnapped. Of the aid workers who died, 98% were national staff and 2% were international (expatriate) staff.
More than half (53%) were employees of national NGOs. Most were killed with small arms in shooting incidents, and 21% of fatalities occurred at the organization’s offices or project sites.
The second largest known cause of death was airstrikes and shelling, mainly driven by Syria. The 2022 death toll (as yet unpublished) is expected to be higher due to the war in Ukraine, where rocket attacks and shelling threaten civilians and aid workers alike.
South Sudan, Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen and Ukraine main sources of violence
The main sources of violence occur in areas with conditions of intense conflict, where risk management is challenged by the threat of random and collateral violence, such as air strikes, bombings, land mines and unexploded ordnance.
The main violent attacks occurred in South Sudan, Afghanistan and Syria. There is also a major risk factor in Yemen which is currently experiencing the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. It is estimated that in 2021 a total of 20.7 million people (67% of the country’s population) required humanitarian assistance. Of these, more than 12 million were in acute need.
Indiscriminate military attacks also have the potential to become a growing obstacle to the humanitarian response in Ukraine, where prospects for a successful de-escalation with the Russian Federation military appear bleak.
274 million people in 63 countries need humanitarian aid
According to the report “Global Humanitarian Outlook 2023“, issued by the UN and its partners in the humanitarian field, the number of people in need in the world is 274 million, scattered in 63 countries. The report also shows that humanitarian action will have to adjust to new and complex circumstances.
The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc in developing nations, with its continuing impact on the civilian population and the constant increase in extreme poverty. The effects of climate change wreak havoc and a total of 161 million people are in a situation of severe food insecurity.
Therefore, it is imperative to focus on the most disadvantaged people, offer essential refugee support services, overcome the disruption of health care services and ensure the timely and effective delivery of humanitarian operations.
The right to humanitarian assistance is a guarantor of respect for the fundamental rights that correspond to all people, such as the right to life, medical attention, and protection against inhuman or degrading treatment. It also includes other crucial rights for their survival, well-being and protection in times of emergency.
Main risks of humanitarian workers
Due to the nature of their work in crisis and emergency situations, humanitarian workers are exposed to many difficulties:
Personal Security: In conflict zones or disaster-affected areas, humanitarian workers may face direct threats to their security from armed violence, acts of terrorism, kidnapping and other dangers.
Violence: Aid workers often operate in tension and conflict environments and may therefore be exposed to acts of physical, verbal or psychological violence by parties to the conflict or armed groups.
Restricted access and damaged infrastructure: In some cases, you may face restricted access to affected areas. Likewise, natural disasters and conflicts can damage vital infrastructure of roads, bridges and hospitals and present logistical challenges, such as lack of transport, interrupted communications and difficulties in reaching remote areas, making it difficult to provide assistance and services.
Health risks: In crisis situations, humanitarian workers may be exposed to contagious diseases and poor sanitation, increasing the risk of infection and disease.
Emotional Trauma: Working in crisis settings can expose workers to traumatic and distressing situations, which can have a significant emotional impact on their mental and emotional well-being. Working with communities affected by disaster and conflict can be emotionally draining as they are exposed to stories of suffering and loss.
Forced displacement: In some cases, aid workers may be forcibly displaced due to insecurity, affecting their own safety and ability to provide aid.
Lack of resources: In many situations they may face shortages of resources, including medical supplies, food and water, hindering their ability to provide effective assistance.
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