World Humanitarian Day: UN Secretary-General Calls for Protection and Respect for Humanitarian Workers

The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has marked World Humanitarian Day by highlighting the critical role humanitarian workers play in providing aid to those affected by conflict and disaster. However, he also noted that these workers are increasingly under attack, with at least 390 aid workers killed last year, a record high. Guterres emphasized that international law is clear: humanitarians must be respected and protected, and that those who target them will be held accountable.

Key Takeaways:

• Humanitarian workers are the last lifeline for over 300 million people caught in conflict or disaster, but funding for their work is drying up.
• Last year, at least 390 aid workers were killed across the world, a record high.
• International law is clear: humanitarians must be respected and protected, and those who target them will be held accountable.
• Governments have pledged action to protect humanitarians and their lifesaving work, but what is missing is political will and moral courage.
• The UN Secretary-General is calling for action to protect every aid worker, strengthen accountability, and bring perpetrators to justice.

Statistics:

• At least 390 aid workers were killed across the world in 2024, a record high.
• Humanitarian workers provide aid to over 300 million people caught in conflict or disaster.
• The Security Council has laid out a path to protect humanitarians and their lifesaving work.

Sources:

• United Nations Secretary-General's message for World Humanitarian Day, observed on 19 August.
• United Nations News (http://milnz.co.nz/mil-osi-aggregation/)