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

In a statement on the occasion of World Humanitarian Day, observed on 19 August, UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted the critical role of humanitarian workers in responding to conflicts and disasters, while also emphasizing the urgent need for their protection and respect. Despite being the last lifeline for over 300 million people, humanitarian workers are increasingly under attack, with a record high of 390 aid workers killed in 2023. Guterres stressed that international law is clear: humanitarians must be respected and protected, and that those who target them must be held accountable.

Key Takeaways:

• The number of aid workers killed in 2023 reached a record high of 390.
• Humanitarian workers are the last lifeline for over 300 million people caught in conflict or disaster.
• International law is clear: humanitarians must be respected and protected, and those who target them must be held accountable.
• Governments have pledged action to protect humanitarians, but what is missing is political will and moral courage.
• The Security Council has laid out a path to protect humanitarians and their life-saving work.
• Humanitarian workers are increasingly under attack due to inadequate protection and respect.
• International law is non-negotiable and binding on all parties to conflict.

Statistics:

• 300 million people are caught in conflict or disaster and rely on humanitarian aid.
• 390 aid workers were killed in 2023, a record high.
• At least 390 aid workers were killed across the world in 2023.
• Humanitarian aid is drying up, with funding declining for the lifeline of those caught in conflict or disaster.

Sources:

• United Nations News (http://milnz.co.nz/mil-osi-aggregation/)
• Contify.com, MIL OSI United Nations News Summary