It seems as though every day we wake up to the news of more death, destruction, and suffering. Whether it’s the cause of war, natural disasters or famine, there are currently 108 million people who are in need of humanitarian assistance.
The United Nations dispatches thousands of humanitarian aid workers around the world every year, each of whom have taken on the responsibility of helping others – even if it means sacrificing their own lives to do so. In their efforts to prevent further suffering, 155 aid workers lost their lives and 134 were kidnapped in 2013.
Despite the risks that come with the job – and despite the alarming statistics that certainly don’t act as a brilliant advert for it – more and more people continue to serve in areas ridden by conflict and disaster. It’s these people who are the heroes of the 21st century, and that’s why UN World Humanitarian Day is devoted entirely to them and the incredible work they do to serve their fellow human beings.
World Humanitarian Day not only reminds us to recognise the danger and adversity that aid workers face in order to help others, but also serves as a way to commemorate those who have lost their lives in doing so. The day is celebrated every year on 19 August to coincide with the anniversary of the 2003 bombing of the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq, where 22 aid workers were killed.
Yesterday, thousands of people took to Twitter to voice their support for #HumanitarianHeroes. The United Nations used the day to highlight the voices of those who are in the field to serving others, and published a series of video clips profiling aid workers around the globe. Jack Kahorha, working in the DR Congo, was forced out of his home and stranded in makeshift camps with no clean water and little food supplies. The memory of his struggle has led him to start a national organisation that provides displaced people with clean water, sanitation and education on how to prevent water-borne diseases.
Mahmoud Deeb Daher has worked as a nurse most of his life. Now he works in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT), serving those who need medical assistance in the midst of violence.
Emmanuelle Deryce earned a degree in Psychology abroad, then returned to Haiti excited to begin his career in the field of Psychology. When the 2010 earthquake struck, he shifted his focus to helping those around him rebuild their lives. He’s never looked back.
If the work of people like Jack, Mahmoud and Emmanuelle inspire you at all, this year there’s a way for you to get involved in the fight for peace.
The United Nations has used World Humanitarian Day 2014 to launch their latest community tool, which allows people like you to serve those in need in a slightly different way. “Messengers of Humanity” become members of an online network of people who share a similar passion and motivation to “take action in the name of humanity”. By joining the community, you also join the United Nations and other humanitarian groups as a global advocate for humanitarian work. Messengers of Humanity will be the first to receive information about the latest advocacy campaigns from these humanitarian organisations and will help amplify the call for a better world through social media.
Find out more about how you can join the network and make a difference to the world we live in.
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