World Humanitarian Day 2024: Theme, History, Significance, Celebrations, and Quotes

World Humanitarian Day, established by the United Nations, is observed on August 19 annually to honour humanitarian workers who risk their lives to provide aid and assistance to people in need. The day is also an occasion to raise awareness of global humanitarian efforts.

The day also aims to encourage global action to support those affected by crises, such as natural disasters, conflicts and other emergencies.

World Humanitarian Day 2024 Theme

The theme for World Humanitarian Day 2024 is Act For Humanity. This theme highlights the importance of protection for all humankind. This year’s theme calls for an end to acts of violence and the perpetrator’s impunity, urging greater respect for the rules of war and accountability for those in power. The core message is that 2023 marked the deadliest year on record for humanitarian workers and 2024 is on track to be even worse.

World Humanitarian Day History and Significance

World Humanitarian Day was established in 2008 by the United Nations General Assembly and was first observed on August 19, 2009. The day is observed to commemorate the 2003 bombing of the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq, which killed 22 people, including Sérgio Vieira de Mello, the UN’s High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The bombing of the Canal Hotel in Baghdad was a tragic event that brought global attention to the dangers faced by humanitarian workers. As a result, the United Nations decided to dedicate a day to honour those who have lost their lives while serving others in humanitarian efforts.

The day also serves to raise awareness of the ongoing humanitarian crises around the world and to encourage global action to support those in need.

The increasing number of attacks on humanitarian workers and the repeated violations of international laws protecting them demonstrate the need for global awareness and action. In 2023 alone, 591 humanitarians were victims of attacks, highlighting the escalating dangers they face.

The day serves as a call to action for governments, organizations, and individuals to support humanitarian efforts. It emphasises the need for collective action to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those who need it most, and to advocate for the protection of humanitarian workers under international law.

World Humanitarian Day Celebrations

1. Spread awareness by participating in or promoting the official World Humanitarian Day theme on social media. Organise or attend webinars, workshops and discussions that focus on humanitarian issues, the challenges faced by aid workers and the significance of international humanitarian law.
2. Contribute to humanitarian organizations that work in crisis-affected areas. These donations can support emergency relief efforts, healthcare, education and other essential services.
3. Advocate for the protection of humanitarian workers by signing petitions or writing letters to government representatives, urging them to uphold international humanitarian law and support global humanitarian efforts.
4. Educate yourself and others and take the time to learn more about global humanitarian work being done to address them. Understanding the complexities of these issues can inspire informed action.

World Humanitarian Day Quotes

• “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” – Martin Luther King Jr.
• “If you can’t feed a hundred people, feed just one.”–Mother Teresa
• “Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it.” – Mahatma Gandhi
• “Since the world has existed, there has been injustice. But it is one world, the more so as it becomes smaller, more accessible. There is just no question that there is more obligation that those who have should give to those who have nothing.” – Audrey Hepburn
• “Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity, it is an act of justice. Like Slavery and Apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings. Sometimes it falls on a generation to be great. YOU can be that great generation. Let your greatness blossom.”–Nelson Mandela.