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Today, the first World Humanitarian Day will be observed. The Day was established last year by the United Nations General Assembly to honor all humanitarian and the United Nations and associated personnel who have lost their lives in the cause of duty and those who have worked in the promotion of the humanitarian cause. Furthermore, World Humanitarian Day focuses on acknowledging the ongoing work of humanitarian staff around the globe and aims to draw attention to humanitarian needs worldwide.
Exactly six years ago, the United Nations Office in Iraq was bombed and 22 people lost their lives. Among them was Sergio Vieira de Mello, at that time the UN’s High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to Iraq. While there have been many other fatal incidents involving humanitarian personnel the General Assembly decided to use the anniversary of this incident as World Humanitarian Day.
The Day will be marked around the world with events, concerts and commemorations to increase the public understanding of humanitarian assistance activities.
More information on the World Humanitarian Day