World Humanitarian Day: Celebrating humanity’s compassion and resilience
Every year on August 19th, the world comes together to observe World Humanitarian Day, a day dedicated to honouring the efforts of humanitarian workers and volunteers who strive to alleviate the suffering of those affected by crises and disasters. This important day also serves as a reminder of the urgent need to address global challenges and promote solidarity among people from diverse backgrounds. World Humanitarian Day celebrates humanity’s compassion and resilience in the face of adversity, inspiring individuals to take action and make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Our founder, Luke Newman, knows too well the importance of humanitarian work. Luke, 42, has visited Nakuru, 85 miles north of the capital city, Nairobi, eight times, helping to build a better future for children living in a deprived environment. He has visited three different schools, to build, renovate, teach and play.
You can read his blogs via https://formentotalk.co.uk/fmttken/
The Origin of World Humanitarian Day
World Humanitarian Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2008 to commemorate the tragic loss of Sergio Vieira de Mello, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and 21 of his colleagues who lost their lives in a devastating bombing at the UN headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq, on August 19, 2003. The day also pays tribute to all humanitarian workers who have sacrificed their lives while carrying out their noble duties.
The Purpose of World Humanitarian Day
The primary purpose of World Humanitarian Day is to recognise and celebrate the spirit of humanitarianism worldwide. It is an occasion to honour the individuals and organisations that respond to crises, provide humanitarian aid and work tirelessly to restore hope and dignity to those affected by conflicts, natural disasters and other emergencies. Additionally, the day aims to raise awareness about the plight of millions of people living in crisis zones, fostering empathy and understanding among global citizens.
Themes and Activities
Each year, World Humanitarian Day revolves around a specific theme to shed light on various humanitarian challenges. Themes can range from promoting gender equality in humanitarian work to spotlighting the importance of climate action in the face of natural disasters. Governments, international organisations, NGOs and communities around the world organise events, workshops and campaigns to address these themes and engage the public in discussions and actions to create positive change.
The Unsung Heroes: Humanitarian Workers
Humanitarian workers are the unsung heroes of our world. They work in some of the most dangerous and challenging environments, often risking their own lives to save others. These brave men and women include doctors, nurses, aid workers, engineers, volunteers and peacekeepers, among others. They leave the comfort of their homes and families behind to offer assistance, medical care, food, shelter and hope to those in need.
COVID-19 and Humanitarian Response
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the importance of humanitarian work. Humanitarians have been on the frontlines, battling not only the pandemic itself but also its severe impact on vulnerable communities. The pandemic has disrupted essential services, increased poverty, exacerbated conflicts and worsened existing humanitarian crises. Despite these challenges, humanitarian workers have continued to provide assistance, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to humanity.
Taking Action: How Can You Help?
World Humanitarian Day encourages everyone to play a role in making the world a better place. While not all of us can be humanitarian workers in the field, there are several ways to contribute and show solidarity:
- Support humanitarian organisations financially: Donating to reputable non-governmental organisations and charities ensures that resources reach those in need promptly.
- Volunteer your time and skills: Many organisations welcome volunteers with various expertise to support their humanitarian projects and initiatives.
- Raise awareness: Share information about humanitarian issues on social media platforms to help raise awareness among your friends and followers.
- Advocate for change: Urge policymakers and governments to prioritise humanitarian aid and disaster response efforts.