World Humanitarian Day
August 19
World Humanitarian Day is an international observance commemorated annually on August 19 to honour aid workers who risk their lives in humanitarian service and to advocate for the survival and dignity of people affected by crises.
The day is coordinated by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and focuses on raising global awareness about humanitarian needs and international cooperation.
Key Facts
- Origin: The date marks the anniversary of the 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters at the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq, which killed 22 people, including the UN Special Representative Sergio Vieira de Mello.
- Establishment: In 2008, the UN General Assembly officially designated August 19 as World Humanitarian Day.
- The Mission: It serves as a reminder that aid workers are not a target and highlights the urgent need to protect civilians and health/humanitarian personnel in conflict zones.
