Did you know that last year at one point, 235 million people in 26 countries across the world required humanitarian assistance?
Acknowledged on the 19th of August each year, World Humanitarian Day gives us the opportunity to stop and think about those who dedicate their lives to humanitarian causes across the world. These are people who put themselves in danger and risk their own lives to help others.
The date was chosen as a way to commemorate a bomb attack on the 19th of August 2003 on the Canal Hotel in Baghdad. Twenty-two lives were lost including Iraq’s chief humanitarian, Sergio Vieria de Mello. The UN formalised the day six years later in 2009.
Each year the event has a different theme to help bring people together to advocate for the safety and security of the aid workers but also the survival and human rights of those that they are helping. This year the theme is #ItTakesAVillage and focuses on those who come together to help when people are in need. From doctors and nurses to vaccinators and paramedics, #ItTakesAVillage will showcase the personal stories of a variety of humanitarian heroes.
There are many reasons why is it important to acknowledge humanitarian workers and the risks they take when carrying out their vital work. For example:
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Statistics show that in 2020: 108 aid workers were killed; 242 were injured in the line of duty and 125 were kidnapped.
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Millions of people across the world are starving. The 2018 Global Hunger Index shows that roughly one in nine people starve every night.
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The Climate Crisis has increased the frequency of natural disasters which have affected 204 million people.
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For over two billion people, clean water is still a luxury and they do not have access to sanitary water near their homes.
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In developing countries, it is not uncommon for girls to be discouraged from pursuing an education. The World Bank estimates that there are 130 million girls between the ages of 6 and 17 who have not been enrolled in some form of formal education.
This day gives us the opportunity to celebrate these unsung heroes and draws attention to the plight of those they are helping. But how can you get involved? You could find a humanitarian charity that aligns with your personal beliefs and either donate money or some of your time. Even a small monetary donation can go a long way. Action Aid are currently raising money for their Afghanistan appeal (click here) and Oxfam are campaigning to prevent famine in East African countries (click here).
Humanitarian work is not only required abroad. Charity, as they say, starts at home. Try getting in touch with organisations that operate in your local area. For example, you could volunteer at a food bank or homeless shelter. Hospices such as The Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice are always on the look out for people to help out in their café or shop (click here). Or, is there a community day centre for elderly people that is looking out for help?
Contact your local MP, MSP and councillors. Their contact details are easy to find with a quick Google search. Let them know of the issues that are important to you, ask what they are doing to combat them and share with them what you’d like them to do.
Any action, big or small, matters.
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