Posted On: 2022-08-19 15:03:50
A humanitarian is defined as a person who advocates for human well-being and social reform. Every day, countless humanitarian workers work tirelessly to make the world safer and more peaceful. Every year, brave men and women are killed in this pursuit. On August 19, we honour and remember those who risk their lives for the sake of others.
As per Nationaltoday, a humanitarian actively promotes social reforms and human welfare and has no bias against human suffering based on religion, sexual orientation, gender, or territory. A humanitarian's goal is to save lives, alleviate suffering, and uphold human dignity by assisting those in need.
Every year on August 19, World Humanitarian Day is observed to pay tribute to humanitarian workers who have been killed or injured in the course of their work, as well as to honour all aid and health workers who, despite the odds, continue to provide life-saving support and protection to those in greatest need.
On August 19, 2003, a bomb attack on the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq, killed 22 humanitarian aid workers, including Sergio Vieira de Mello, the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq. Five years later, the United Nations General Assembly declared August 19 to be World Humanitarian Day (WHD).
WHD focuses on a different theme each year, bringing together partners from across the humanitarian system to advocate for the survival, well-being, and dignity of people affected by crises, as well as the safety and security of aid workers. The United Nations General Assembly declared World Humanitarian Day in 2009.
As per usaid, In 2022, 303 million people worldwide will require humanitarian assistance, a significant increase from the previous year's record-high number. Life-threatening crises are becoming more complex for many communities worldwide, as climate change, rising conflicts, and the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbate hunger, deepen poverty, and increase competition for scarce resources.
As mentioned by the UN, it has been said that it takes a village to raise a child. In the same way, it takes a village to support someone in a humanitarian crisis. With the world's humanitarian needs at an all-time high, this year's World Humanitarian Day (WHD) builds on the metaphor of collective effort to increase global appreciation of humanitarian work.
There are people who help people whenever and wherever they are in need. They are the affected people, who are always the first to respond when disaster strikes, and a global community that helps them recover. They come together to alleviate suffering and bring hope, far from the spotlight and headlines.
5 Facts about why HUMANITARIAN efforts are vital
Every night, millions of people go to bed hungry
According to the 2018 Global Hunger Index, one in every nine people goes to bed hungry.
An estimated 36.5 million (41%) of the 89.3 million forcibly displaced people are children below 18 years of age.
As of today, August 2022, nearly 39.14 million people were affected by natural disasters during the period, with 178 dead or missing and 1.28 million residents relocated.
Clean water is a luxury
Over two billion people lack access to safe drinking water at home.
Girls are still not attending school
In Third-World countries, girls are discouraged from attending school, with the World Bank estimating that 130 million girls aged 6 to 17 are not enrolled.
The 2022 World Humanitarian Day campaign shines a light on the thousands of volunteers, professionals and crisis-affected people who deliver urgent health care, shelter, food, protection, water and much more.
As mentioned by the UN, the best way to join the campaign is to share the profiles and other materials via your social media channels with #ItTakesAVillage and #worldhumanitarianday
How you can participate in this WORLD HUMANITARIAN DAY
Make a donation to a humanitarian organisation
Humanitarian organisations all over the world are in desperate need of funds. It would be fantastic if you could donate your time to one of these organisations. If you are unable to help, a monetary donation would go a long way toward supplementing workers' resources to assist suffering communities. Look for humanitarian organisations online, or go directly to the UN's World Humanitarian Day website for resources to get you started.
Filaantro is one of the best crowdfunding organizations when it comes to humanitarian work. There are many causes where you choose to donate and support the campaigners. Filaantro has a goal to grow together as one, by providing aid to those who are in need.
Volunteer in your community to help others
Being a humanitarian does not have to entail travelling to a war zone; the goal of humanitarian aid is to relieve suffering and preserve human dignity. There may be plenty of opportunities for you to do so close to home. Volunteer at a homeless shelter, a nursing home, a hospital, or an organisation that helps underprivileged children. You can volunteer with Child help foundation (CHF) to cater for the SDGs goals and help society.
“Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it.”
-Mahatma Gandhi
Author: Lubdha Dhanopia
Ready to Start a Fundraiser ?