Every day, humanitarian aid workers stand on the front lines of war and disaster, braving tremendous dangers and difficulties to deliver assistance to those who need it most. Thus, World Humanitarian Day recognizes these aid workers who risk their lives in humanitarian service. 

The day was designated by the United Nations General Assembly to coincide with the anniversary of the 2003 bombing of the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq which resulted in the death of 22 persons, including UN envoy, Sergio Vieira de Mello. 

Humanitarian workers provide life-saving assistance consisting of first aid, nutrition, shelter and help rebuild after disaster has struck. These workers often battle violence, local diseases and hunger while attempting to save lives and provide relief to those most in need. The theme for 2020 is: REAL LIFE HEROES

This year, World Humanitarian Day comes as the world continues to fight the COVID-19 Pandemic. Humanitarian workers are overcoming unprecedented access hurdles to assist people in humanitarian crisis in 63 countries, which have been catapulted into humanitarian need by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Real Life Heroes focuses on what drives humanitarians to continue to save and protect lives, despite conflicts, insecurity, lack of access, and risks linked to COVID-19. This year, COVID-19 has been the biggest challenge to humanitarian operations around the world.  The lack of access and restrictions placed by Governments around the world has resulted in communities, civil society and local NGOs being the frontline of the response. Therefore, the campaign presents the inspiring personal stories of humanitarians who are treating and preventing COVID-19, providing food to vulnerable people in need, providing safe spaces for women and girls in lockdown; delivering babies; fighting external invasion and running refugee camps, all amid the COVID-19 Pandemic. 

Humanitarians make up a large number of people who endanger their own lives to save others. They are often known to be the first to respond to a crisis and last to leave. Hence, such persons deserve mention and celebration. Red Cross or Red Crescent Volunteers worldwide are among the first to respond in case of any disaster, epidemics, and conflicts.

The year 2020 has been a disaster to everyone, and yet people who work for saving lives amid COVID-19 deserve to be celebrated. Humanitarians are not only doctors, but also nurses, media and hospital workers, police officers, army and many other government employees who are involved in the betterment of the world during this time.Even if you step out to provide face masks, food and medicament for the underprivileged, you are a humanitarian, and this day is to celebrate you.

The best way therefore to observe World Humanitarian Day is to assist humanitarians. There are humanitarian organizations all over the world in need of resources. If you are able to donate your time to one of these organizations, that is wonderful. Donations would go a long way in supplementing workers’ resources to help suffering communities.

Being a humanitarian does not mean traveling to a war zone — the point of humanitarian aid is to alleviate people’s suffering and maintain human dignity. There may be plenty of options for you to do just that close to home. Try volunteering at a homeless shelter, a nursing home, a hospital or a place that serves underprivileged children.

We can also call, email or send a tweet to let our elected leaders know how important humanitarian crisis are to citizens. Ask them to commit to any number of actions to help bolster humanitarian causes in the areas that are near and dear to our heart.

It is pertinent to say A BIG THANK YOU to the People Who Have Committed Their Lives in Helping Others!

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