First ever World Humanitarian Day

The General Assembly of the United Nations determined in December 2008 that World Humanitarian Day should be marked on August 19 of every year to contribute to increasing public awareness about humanitarian assistance activities worldwide. It would highlight the importance of international cooperation in this regard as well as honour all humanitarians - the UN and associated personnel, who provide life-saving assistance to millions of people around the world working in conflict zones and areas of natural hazards, often in life-threatening situations that put their own lives at risk. The occasion is in part dedicated to the memory of all those aid workers who lost their lives while bringing assistance to others, the majority of whom were from the communities they were trying to help.

August 19, 2009 has been proclaimed as the first World Humanitarian Day. It is a day to draw attention to humanitarian needs worldwide; acknowledge the ongoing work of humanitarian staff around the globe and honour those who have lost their lives in humanitarian service. In the last decade, more than 700 humanitarian workers have made the ultimate sacrifice while striving to help those most in need in some of the world's most hostile environments. Thousands more have endured bombing, kidnapping, attacks, hijacking, robbery and rape. The occasion will be marked around the globe with the key ceremony to be held in Geneva, the world humanitarian capital.

The international response to crises, both natural and man made, has improved beyond all recognition in the last 20 years. This is due to the dedication of the many thousands of aid workers who have devoted their lives to humanitarian work, matching idealism with action and principles with practice. Their selfless and non-political endeavours are vital for the necessary acceptance by all concerned that assistance to the needy should be provided impartially and neutrally, without reference to religion, gender, or race.

But while much has been achieved, the challenges faced by many millions of people around the world are still formidable and the need for principled and effective humanitarian action is greater than ever. Long-running and intractable conflicts are still exacting an unconscionable toll on civilians, and natural hazards are becoming increasingly severe and frequent. The international humanitarian community is facing new threats generated by the combined effects of global mega-trends including climate change, chronic poverty, the food and financial crises, water and energy scarcity, migration, population growth, urbanisation and the spread of pandemics. Meeting these challenges needs more flexible funding and adaptable humanitarian work to address these emerging and complex developments.

For 2010 and beyond it is anticipated that the day will be used to focus on particular humanitarian themes.