19 August marks World Humanitarian Day, an international day dedicated to all humanitarian workers who, with courage and dedication, bring help and hope to some of the most challenging places in the world. It is an opportunity to honour their work and remember those who have lost their lives in the service of others.
The date was chosen in memory of the 22 people killed in the attack on the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq, in 2003. Since then, the sacrifice of these professionals has become a symbol of the risks they face every day for the common good.
Our world is shaken by wars, conflicts, and natural disasters, often worsened by climate change. In these dramatic scenarios, millions of innocent civilians suffer, and their only point of reference is humanitarian workers. With great professionalism and a strong sense of responsibility, these heroes provide assistance, support, and care, putting their own safety at risk.
Sadly, in recent years, the number of attacks against humanitarian workers has risen alarmingly. It is essential that their work is protected, respected, and that access to aid for those in need is always guaranteed, even in the most hostile contexts.
Gaza: a cry of hope
This year we wish to dedicate a special thought to our colleagues working in the Gaza Strip. There, an entire population is at breaking point due to one of the worst humanitarian emergencies in recent decades, marked not only by bombs, but also by the lack of essential goods such as food and water.
Our heartfelt thanks go to all of them for their unwavering dedication, commitment, courage, and strength, which they demonstrate every single day. We must not forget that, in addition to being rescuers, they are themselves victims of the conflict, forced to flee multiple times. Despite immense difficulties, they continue to bring aid to their people, showing extraordinary heroism.
Their voices resonate powerfully, like that of one of our colleagues in Gaza: “I am a humanitarian worker, and my aim is to meet people’s needs, as much as I can. And I know it is worth it every time I see, in their eyes, even the smallest, tiniest crumb of happiness.”
Listen to their voices in this moving video.
Author: CESVI
Alliance2015 members have been actively delivering humanitarian aid on the ground throughout this year, responding to crises with speed, dedication, and care: read more here.
