Tomorrow, August 19, we remember World Humanitarian Day. Without humanitarian workers, there would be much more hunger, suffering and death around the world. Because every day, thousands of steadfast helpers around the world venture into areas hit by disasters or affected by unrest and conflict to help, rescue and protect people in need.
It is to these helpers that we owe our special thanks today, as they save lives, meet the basic needs of people and stand alongside all those too weak to speak out, giving them hope. We particularly pray for all those serving in difficult contexts.
The motto “#NoMatterWhat” also underscores ADRA’s principles, because ADRA helps people all over the world – regardless of their political or religious beliefs, ethnic background or gender.
20th anniversary of World Humanitarian Day
On August 19, 2003, 22 humanitarian workers were killed in a bombing at the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq. Among the dead was the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello. In 2008, the General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring August 19 as World Humanitarian Day.
This year, World Humanitarian Day is themed “#NoMatterWhat” and brings together partners from across the humanitarian system to work for the survival, well-being and dignity of people affected by crises, as well as the safety of aid workers.
World Humanitarian Day is a campaign of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and diverse humanitarian partners.
Drone attack on ADRA aid delivery in Ukraine
A week ago, an ADRA aid delivery in Ukraine was shot at by a drone. Marina, a volunteer, was slightly injured. She recalls: “It happened between 7.50 and 7.55 am. We wanted to bring food packages to the village of Novoberislav, where 344 people live. When we had loaded the last box and were about to leave, we heard the sound of a drone. We looked up and saw it hovering directly above us. The boys shouted, ‘Take cover!’
A second later, the drone dropped three grenades. By then we were already in the bunker, so everyone stayed alive, but I suffered a slight concussion from the explosions and still have a headache.”
#ADRA #ADRAresponds #NoMatterWhat #WorldHumanitarianDay
