The United Nations(UN)’s World Humanitarian Day(WHD) is annually observed across the globe on 19th August to honour and recognise the efforts of Humanitarians across the globe on protecting and supporting the people in need.
WHD is a campaign by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and humanitarian partners.
- 19th August 2021 marks the observance of 12th World Humanitarian Day.
- The WHD 2020 highlights the immediate human cost of the Climate Crisis by pressuring the world leaders to take climate actions for the vulnerable people across the globe.
The WHD focuses on the theme of bringing together partners across the humanitarian system to advocate for the survival, well-being, and dignity of people affected by the crises.
Background:
i.The United Nations General Assembly(UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/63/139 on 11 December 2008 and proclaimed the 19th August of every year as World Humanitarian Day.
ii.The First World Humanitarian Day was commemorated on 19th August 2009.
Why August 19?
i.The day is marked in memory of the Canal Hotel bomb attack (19th August 2003) in Baghdad, Iraq, killing 22 people, including Sergio Vieira Mello, Chief Humanitarian in Iraq.
ii.Sergio Vieira Mello was a Brazilian United Nations diplomat who has served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
#theHumanRace Challenge;
i.#theHumanRace is a global challenge for climate action in solidarity with the people who are in the world’s most disaster-prone countries.
ii.The day also expects the leaders of the developed countries to deliver that $100 billion annually for climate mitigation and adaptation in developing countries.
Global Humanitarian Overview 2021:
iThe Global Humanitarian Overview (GHO) is the world’s most comprehensive, authoritative and evidence-based assessment of humanitarian needs.
ii.This aim is to fight hunger, killer diseases, gender-based violence and displacement.
iii.In 2021, Around 235 million people will need the assistance and protection of humanitarians.
iv.The UN and its partner organisation aim to assist 160 million people across 56 countries and to do so they will require a total of 35 billion USD.
About United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA):
OCHA was established by the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 46/182 (1991).
Under-Secretary-General– Martin Griffiths
Headquarters– New York, United States
