On World Humanitarian Day, the UN Secretary-General calls for an end to attacks on humanitarian workers

On August 19, World Humanitarian Day, UN Secretary-General António Guterres delivered a video message. He paid tribute to humanitarian workers and strongly called for an end to attacks on humanitarian workers and all civilians.

Guterres pointed out that last year, humanitarian operations coordinated by the United Nations provided life-saving assistance to more than 140 million people. Despite facing a severe shortage of funds, humanitarian workers still strive to overcome numerous difficulties and send assistance to people in need.

However, 2023 has become the year with the highest number of humanitarian workers killed on record. In places such as Gaza and Sudan, humanitarian workers and civilians are frequently attacked, killed, injured, and kidnapped. Guterres urged governments to pressure all parties to conflicts to effectively protect civilians, stop transferring weapons to armies and groups that violate international law, end impunity, and let perpetrators be held accountable under the law.

According to data from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, a total of 280 humanitarian workers were unfortunately killed globally in 2023, a record high. In addition, 78 people were kidnapped and 196 people were injured.

On August 19, 2003, the United Nations office in Baghdad, Iraq was hit by a car bomb attack, resulting in the deaths of more than 20 people including Sergio Vieira de Mello, the UN special representative for Iraq, and more than 150 people were injured. To commemorate the staff who sacrificed their lives in this attack, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution in December 2008 designating August 19 of each year as World Humanitarian Day.