People around the world go through tough challenges all the time. Be it conflicts, climate change, wildfires, or even when Covid 19 pandemic, these extreme things eventually leads people to lose their life, homes and livelihoods.
However, some go above and beyond the call of duty and prioritise the needs of others over their own, especially in times of emergencies and crises like these. These humanitarian workers have made sure individuals without access to healthcare who are struggling with hunger, violence, and mental health difficulties get the assistance they require.
Since the effect is frequently larger in marginalised or displaced populations, they pay special attention to these groups. These humanitarians offer encouragement and assistance to those in need even in hazardous circumstances. People cling to them like lifelines through the most trying moments.
On August 19, humanitarian relief workers from all across the world are recognised on World Humanitarian Day. This day, which was established by the UN in 2009, honours the day of the attack on the UN offices in Iraq. 22 individuals died, including the UN's High Commissioner for Human Rights.
People in need worldwide get life-saving support from humanitarian relief professionals. Workers in war zones or countries that have recently suffered natural catastrophes are particularly vulnerable. The day pays tribute to the thousands of humanitarian workers who gave their lives and suffered injuries in the course of their work.
Here are five ways through which you can celebrate World Humanitarian Day:
- Spread awareness: Share information about World Humanitarian Day with others, talk about history, and speak about the importance of humanitarianism and its works.
- Donate: Contribute to humanitarian organizations that actively engage in helping others in need around the world.
- Volunteer: Offer your time and participation in local and international humanitarian projects and organizations.
- Educate: host educational sessions for school and college students about humanitarian issues and encourage them to participate in volunteering or discussions.
- Show solidarity: Join campaigns that promote solidarity with people who are affected by conflicts, disasters and crises.
Here are some facts about World Humanitarian Day:
- Women make up a large number of the world’s humanitarian workers , many of whom are working in difficult conditions, including Afghanistan, South Sudan and Syria, among others.
- By the end of 2022, 108.4 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide as a result of persecution, conflict, violence or human rights violations.
- As many as 828 million people – or 10 per cent of the world’s population – go to bed hungry each night, of those affected by hunger, two-thirds are women and 80 per cent are living in areas prone to climate change.
- Globally, more than 7 million children in 2018 were provided with emergency education in more than 20 countries around the world.
- Around the world, 129 million girls are out of school, including 32 million of primary school age, 30 million of lower-secondary school age, and 67 million of upper-secondary school age.
Child Help Foundation along with its crowdfunding partner Filaantro has been working across India to provide humanitarian needs for needy people. The organization provides support and helps them with the necessities, and also conducts initiatives and spreads social awareness on hygiene, education and good health.
Since its inception, the organization has catered to over 2879 emergency medical cases, provided quality education to 4,82,051 children, provided free meals to 20,01,457 children under the Zero Hunger Program and rendered support to 11,32,515 individuals under the Humanitarian Relief program.
Working together, we can have a greater influence since every little bit counts. Let's continue their legacy by providing aid to people in need in honour of those who gave their life while trying to assist others.