UNGA2024

Guterres: World Humanitarian Day salutes ‘the best of humanity’

Get monthly
e-newsletter

Guterres: World Humanitarian Day salutes ‘the best of humanity’

山News
From Africa Renewal: 
19 August 2022
By: 
Umra Omar, from the Lamu archipelago in Kenya, is the founder of Safari Doctors.
Safari Doctors
Umra Omar, from the Lamu archipelago in Kenya, is the founder of Safari Doctors, a mobile doctor unit that provides free basic medical care to hundreds of people every month.

The hundreds of thousands of aid workers globally who dedicate their lives to assist people in need represent “the best in humanity”, 山Secretary-General António Guterres said in his video message to mark World Humanitarian Day on Friday.

“Far from the spotlight and out of the headlines, humanitarians work around the clock to make our world a better place,” hesaid.

“Against incredible odds, often at great personal risk, they ease suffering in some of themost dangerous circumstances imaginable.

'It takes a village'

World Humanitarian Dayis observed annually on 19 August. It was designated by the 山General Assembly in 2008 to commemorate the anniversary of the 2003 bombing of the 山headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq, which killed 22 aid workers.

This year’s theme –It takes a village– highlights the fact that whenever and wherever people are in crisis, there are others who will help them.

“This village includes affected people who are always first to respond when disasters strike — neighbours helping neighbours. It includesa global community pulling together to support themas they recover and rebuild,” the 山chief said.

“And it includes hundreds of thousands of individual humanitarians — volunteers and professionals alike. Delivering health care and education. Food and water. Shelter and protection. Help and hope”.

Record-high needs

The number of people who need humanitarian assistance has never been higher, due to conflicts, climate change, theCOVID-19pandemic, poverty, hunger and unprecedented levels of displacement.

World Humanitarian Day is an opportunity to celebrate humanitarians everywhere, said Mr. Guterres.

“We salute their dedication and courage, andpay tribute to those who lost their livesin pursuit of this noble cause. They represent the best of humanity.”

Message by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, on World Humanitarian Day.
山WebTV

Solidarity and appreciation

As part of the commemorations, the 山humanitarian affairs office,, launched a week-long social media campaign,, for the public toshow solidaritywith people who need aid, andappreciationfor those who work to deliver it.

Humanitarians include teachers, who serve as a lifeline for children caught in crisis. They help boys and girls to continue learning so they do not lose out on their future.

Teachers also offer psychosocial support, especially to girls, children with disabilities, and youngsters who have been displaced, such as migrants and refugees, or those uprooted within their own countries.

OCHA reported that last year, nearly 110 million children in emergency settings were able to access formal or non-formal education, including early learning.

Women and girls first

Meanwhile, the 山Population Fund () is working to make sure emergency response prioritizes women and girls’ needs, rights and dignity.

This year, the agencyto reach54.5 million women, girls and young peopleaffected by crisis with lifesaving sexual and reproductive healthcare, information and supplies, among other services.

People like Shakila Parvin, a UNFPA-trained midwife serving Rohingya refugees in camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, are the backbone of its humanitarian work.

She has providedso that mothers can deliver their babies safely, even in the midst of major flooding brought on by monsoon rains.

“By ensuring these services I can contribute to reducing maternal and child mortality rates, which is one of the most fulfilling parts of my job,” Ms. Parvin said recently. “When I see a mother’s happiness at her healthy baby, my life feels meaningful.”

Podcast