The United Nations (UN)’s World Humanitarian Day (WHD) is observed annually on August 19 to commemorate the humanitarian workers who have committed their lives to help others in the most extreme circumstances around the world.
- The day is celebrated to recognise people who sacrificed their lives despite the tough challenges and also continue to provide protection and save the lives of people in need.
- It aims to spread awareness about the need for humanitarian assistance worldwide
World Humanitarian Day is a campaign by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA).
2022 Campaign of WHD:
i.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.
- WHD 2022 showcased the importance, effectiveness and positive impact of humanitarian work.
- For WHD 2022 the tagline of of campaign is #ItTakesAVillage to support people in 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 .
Significance:
i.Humanitarians include people who put their lives at risk to support various humanitarian causes and save others.
ii.The day is celebrated across the whole world by creating awareness around the cause.
iii.Campaigns are organized that help people and such campaigns are usually sponsored by private and co-corporations and are supported by humanitarians across the world.
About United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA):
Founded-19 December 1991
Headquarters-New York, United States
Under-Secretary-General- Martin Griffiths
