The hundreds of thousands of aid workers globally who dedicate their lives to assist people in need represent 鈥渢he best in humanity鈥�, UN Secretary-General Ant贸nio Guterres said in his video message to mark World Humanitarian Day on Friday.听
鈥淔ar from the spotlight and out of the headlines, humanitarians work around the clock to make our world a better place,鈥� he听said.
鈥淎gainst incredible odds, often at great personal risk, they ease suffering in some of the听most dangerous circumstances imaginable.鈥澨�
'It takes a village'
World Humanitarian Day听is observed annually on 19 August. It was designated by the UN General Assembly in 2008 to commemorate the anniversary of the 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq, which killed 22 aid workers. 听
This year鈥檚 theme 鈥撎�It takes a village听鈥� highlights the fact that whenever and wherever people are in crisis, there are others who will help them.听
鈥淭his village includes affected people who are always first to respond when disasters strike 鈥� neighbours helping neighbours. It includes听a global community pulling together to support them听as they recover and rebuild,鈥� the UN chief said.
鈥淎nd it includes hundreds of thousands of individual humanitarians 鈥� volunteers and professionals alike. Delivering health care and education. 听Food and water. Shelter and protection. Help and hope鈥�.听
Record-high needs听
The number of people who need humanitarian assistance has never been higher, due to conflicts, climate change, the听COVID-19听pandemic, poverty, hunger and unprecedented levels of displacement. 听
World Humanitarian Day is an opportunity to celebrate humanitarians everywhere, said Mr. Guterres.听
鈥淲e salute their dedication and courage, and听pay tribute to those who lost their lives听in pursuit of this noble cause. They represent the best of humanity.鈥澨�
Solidarity and appreciation听
As part of the commemorations, the UN humanitarian affairs office,听, launched a week-long social media campaign,听, for the public to听show solidarity听with people who need aid, and听appreciation听for those who work to deliver it.听
Humanitarians include teachers, who serve as a lifeline for children caught in crisis. They help boys and girls to continue learning so they do not lose out on their future. 听听
Teachers also offer psychosocial support, especially to girls, children with disabilities, and youngsters who have been displaced, such as migrants and refugees, or those uprooted within their own countries.听
OCHA reported that last year, nearly 110 million children in emergency settings were able to access formal or non-formal education, including early learning.听
Women and girls first听
Meanwhile, the UN Population Fund () is working to make sure emergency response prioritizes women and girls鈥� needs, rights and dignity.听
This year, the agency听听to reach听54.5 million women, girls and young people听affected by crisis with lifesaving sexual and reproductive healthcare, information and supplies, among other services.听听
People like Shakila Parvin, a UNFPA-trained midwife serving Rohingya refugees in camps in Cox鈥檚 Bazar, Bangladesh, are the backbone of its humanitarian work.听
She has provided听听so that mothers can deliver their babies safely, even in the midst of major flooding brought on by monsoon rains.听
鈥淏y ensuring these services I can contribute to reducing maternal and child mortality rates, which is one of the most fulfilling parts of my job,鈥� Ms. Parvin said recently.听 鈥淲hen I see a mother鈥檚 happiness at her healthy baby, my life feels meaningful.鈥澨�
