News Focus: World Humanitarian Day

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Helping the vulnerable and the voiceless

Public Service Announcement

Secretary-General

"This is also a day on which we pay tribute to the legions of heroic humanitarian personnel. These men and women come from many backgrounds. But they share a conviction that one person’s suffering is everyone’s responsibility."

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in message on World Humanitarian Day

· Speeches

On 19 August 2009, the international community will pay tribute for the first time to the humanitarian workers who devote their time and energy to helping those affected by war and natural catastrophes across the world.

The General Assembly decided in December 2008 to designate 19 August as World Humanitarian Day to honour all humanitarian and other personnel who have worked in pursuit of the humanitarian cause.

This date marks the sixth anniversary of the Canal Hotel bombing in Baghdad which killed 22 UN employees, including the UN’s top official in Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello. World Humanitarian Day will be marked around the globe, with the key ceremony to be held in Geneva, the world humanitarian capital. The day is in part dedicated to the memory of all those aid workers who have lost their lives while bringing assistance to others, the majority of whom were from the communities they were trying to help.

The international response to crises, both natural and man made, has improved beyond all recognition in the last 20 years. This is due largely 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, urbanization and the spread of pandemics.

· Questions and Answers

· Key Messages

Memorial to the Fallen

Dark day for UN 19 August 2003

In remembrance of those killed in Algiers on 11 December 2007 in the service of the United Nations Family

Humanitarian Affairs

UN Office for the Coodination of Humanitarian Affairs - OCHA

Sergio Vieira de Mello Foundation

UN News Centre goes behind the scenes to spotlight the work of humanitarian workers worldwide

Away from the frontlines, UN staff give a helping hand

Five years after tsunami, Indonesia better prepared for catastrophes

The satisfaction from a lifetime of field work comes at a price

Giving a voice to the victims of sexual and physical violence

Transition phase after conflict vital for success of humanitarian programmes

In Darfur, a helping hand for the most vulnerable victims of conflict

Pakistani host families play crucial role in UN aid efforts

Aid workers face puzzle of keeping funds flowing when donor support ebbs

Resilience of Gaza's people lifts spirits of UN aid worker

When disaster strikes – the first hours of UN mobilization

Survivors recall terror attack on UN's Baghdad headquarters