World Humanitarian Day is celebrated every year with the intention to recognize the humanitarian workers who lost their lives for the welfare of others. Humanitarian workers often risk their lives to provide relief and assistance to others, particularly those affected by natural disasters, conflicts, or other man-made crises. In order to honor these selfless individuals and remember those who were lost in the line of duty, the United Nations General Assembly officially designated August 19 as World Humanitarian Day in 2013.
A Brief History of this Day
The United Nations General Assembly established World Humanitarian Day in 2009 and declared humanitarian work to be an international duty and a common responsibility of every individual. The day is held on August 19th every year to commemorate the 22 humanitarian aid workers, including the UN special representative of the secretary-general for Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello, who lost their lives in the bomb attack on the Canal Hotel in Baghdad on the 19th of August in 2003.
How The Day Is Celebrated?
Each year, World Humanitarian Day focuses on a theme, bringing together partners from across the humanitarian system to promote the survival, well-being, and dignity of people affected by crises, and for the safety and security of aid workers.
Since the commemoration, the subsequent years focused on different themes, with the integral idea being that humanity should persist. In 2010, the theme was "We are Humanitarian Workers'', with humanitarian work and achievements being the main focus. In 2011, "People Helping People'' became the focus, with the intention to inspire aid work in everyone. In 2012, the theme was "I Was Here", which was about doing something good for someone, regardless of their age, gender or creed.
As we can see, each year different themes are adopted which have the same driving principle, that helping each other is the main focus of World Humanitarian Day.
According to World Health Organization, World Humanitarian Day 2022 is devoted to the biggest threat humanity is facing, Climate Change.
“The climate emergency is a race we are losing, but it is a race we can win.”
– United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres
The idea that climate change has moved so far ahead of human beings that it is impossible to win the race against climate change. This is why, in 2021, the world got into a race against climate change quite literally, in the week of World Humanitarian Day, August 19, an online challenge was hosted by the UN by the name of #TheHumanRace, where people could run, roll, ride, walk, swim, kick or hit a ball, or record themselves doing any action which would carry the message forward.
Millions of people came forward to take part in the initiative and made it a success.
How to contribute?
There are many ways you can contribute to World Humanitarian Day. One way is to raise awareness about humanitarian issues. You can also donate to humanitarian organizations or volunteer your time. Another way to contribute is to advocate for change. You can do this by writing letters to your representatives or speaking out about issues you care about, like climate change. Whatever you do, remember that every little bit helps! Awareness is the first step in solving any problem and it will take a lot of people working together to make a difference.
What We’re Doing?
Child Help Foundation has been working across India to successfully provide humanitarian aid to the needy and those suffering from health issues.
We promote activities with the support of our donors, and volunteers to carry out initiatives all over the country to spread awareness on many social issues like hygiene, sanitation. Child Help Foundation provides education support to children under the quality education sector which falls under the Humanitarian Relief and Rehabilitation program.
Child Help Foundation catered to over 16,808 Medical Cases, impacted 13,44,457 in the Zero Hunger Eradication program.
Child Help Foundation catered to 4,68,718 children under the quality education sector and rendered support to 10,88,447 individuals under the Humanitarian Relief and Rehabilitation program.
Impact
In honor of World Humanitarian Day, we're highlighting five ways you can help make a difference. From fighting ignorance to inspiring social change, there's a role for everyone in making the world a better place.
- Educate yourself and others about humanitarian issues.
- Stand up against discrimination and violence.
- Support humanitarian organizations financially or with your time and skills.
- Advocate for policies that will help those in need.
Conclusion
Every little bit helps, and by working together we can make a larger impact. Let us all remember those who have lost their lives working to help others, and continue their legacy by helping those in need.
References:
https://nationaltoday.com/world-humanitarian-day/
https://sdg.iisd.org/events/world-humanitarian-day-2022/
https://m.jagranjosh.com/current-affairs/world-humanitarian-day-2021-theme-significance-history-and-other-details-1629352338-1