World Humanitarian Day was born out of tragedy: August 19, 2003: A bombing at the UN headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq, kills 22 people, including Sérgio Vieira de Mello, the UN’s High Commissioner for Human Rights. 2009: The UN General Assembly formally establishes August 19 as World Humanitarian Day.
Well, Sergio de mello was previously UN’s High Commissioner for Human Rights, but on August 19, 2003, he was Head of the UN Mission in Iraq.
Regarding his life please watch this movie. You can watch it on Netflix. https://www.netflix.com/id-en/title/70112740#:~:text=This%20moving%20documentary%20profiles%20Sergio,killed%20by%20terrorists%20in%20Iraq.&text=Watch%20all%20you%20want.
And my story about how Sergio di Mello saved my life and lost his: https://themuslimtimes.info/2017/08/24/glimpses-into-the-life-of-a-global-nomad-part-nine/
In brief. My office was in that UN building and exactly in the corner that was distroyed by the terrorist bomb on 19th August 2003. Sergio di Mello was trying to push us out to go into our own offices, which were still under installation. I told my boss ‘let’s go, if we are not welcome here, even though we have not fully furnished our office yet’. And so we went. On 19th August I came to the UN building for a late lunch. I left about 3 pm and the attack happened shortly after 5 pm. All my UN colleagues in my old office were killed, as was Sergio di Mello on the 3rd floor.
Please watch the movie and read my more detailed ‘glimpses’.
World Humanitarian Day 2024: In Solidarity with Humanitarians at the Frontline in Gaza and beyond
19 August 2024
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Jakarta, 18 August 2024 – As the world prepares to observe World Humanitarian Day on 19 August, the United Nations in Indonesia, in solidarity with the global humanitarian community, calls for urgent action to protect aid workers and civilians trapped in conflict zones.
The theme of this year’s World Humanitarian Day, #ActForHumanity or #BeraksiUntukKemanusiaan, emphasizes the critical need to uphold international humanitarian laws and safeguard those who risk their lives to deliver aid.
In 2023, Aid Worker Security Database reports that the global humanitarian community witnessed the deadliest year on record, with an unprecedented 280 aid workers killed in violence.
This represents a staggering 137 % increase from 2022, where 118 aid workers lost their lives. The trend has continued into 2024, with 280 aid workers already killed as of August 17, underscoring the escalating dangers faced by those on the frontlines of crisis zones.
“The normalization of violence against aid workers is both unacceptable and unconscionable. It threatens the very foundation of humanitarian work and undermines our ability to reach those in desperate need,” said Thandie Mwape, Head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Indonesia and ASEAN Liaison Office. “On this World Humanitarian Day, we honour the memory of those who have paid the ultimate price in service to humanity and call on the global community to continue to advocate to end the impunity that allows these atrocities to continue.”
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has emerged as the deadliest place for aid workers, with over 250 humanitarian workers killed since October 2023. Additionally, extreme violence in Sudan and South Sudan continues to contribute to the grim toll, both in 2023 and into 2024.
“Every attack on an aid worker is an attack on humanity itself. It is imperative that all parties to conflicts respect international humanitarian law and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions,” added Ms Mwape. “On a day like today, we must also commend the safe humanitarian space in Indonesia, which allows for humanitarian actors to do their work and also extend their kindness to others beyond Indonesia and also add a voice to demand accountability and stand united in protecting those who protect others.”
This year’s World Humanitarian Day is marked by a global digital campaign under the hashtag #ActForHumanity. The campaign, promoted through social media channels of the UN in Indonesia, rallies public support and urge those in power to uphold the norms that safeguard humanity.
On August 19, a short film holding world leaders and conflict parties accountable will be launched, alongside social media activations highlighting the dire consequences of violating international humanitarian laws.
Humanitarian night in Jakarta
In Jakarta, the UN, in collaboration with humanitarian organizations, hosted the “Humanitarian Night” at Taman Literasi Martha Christina Tiahahu, Blok M, on 18 August 2024.
This event brought together approximately 1,500 participants, including aid workers, government representatives, and the public. “Humanitarian Night aims to raise the awareness of youth on the accountability of those in power for violations of the international humanitarian laws and other international norms. The failure of humanity, responsibility, and leadership cannot be allowed to continue. Indonesia stands in solidarity to #ActForHumanity”, said Tirza Listiarani, Program Director of 2030 Youth Force.
The event featured cultural performances, a humanitarian talk show, music, and exhibitions showcasing the work of various humanitarian organizations. This evening of solidarity spotlight the devastating impact of armed conflict on both aid workers and civilians, while also celebrating the resilience and dedication of those who continue to serve despite the risks.
“We hope that this activity at the Literacy Park will bring awareness to the wider community and public the urge to protect every human being around the world,” said Ferdiansyah Roestam, CEO of Integrasi Transit Jakarta, the management of the Park.
As World Humanitarian Day 2024 approaches, there is a collective call to not only honour the memory of those who have tragically lost their lives in the line of duty but also to reinforce the commitment to safeguarding those who continue their vital work in some of the most perilous regions.
This moment serves as a reminder of the importance of advocating for humanity, pursuing justice, and upholding the essential principles that guide humanitarian efforts worldwide.
Siska Widyawati
UN entities involved in this initiative
OCHA
United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
#ActForHumanity
World Humanitarian Day 2024
This World Humanitarian Day, celebrating humanitarian workers is not enough.
We need those in power to act now to ensure protection of civilians, including humanitarians, in conflict zones.
Act for Humanity
2023 was the deadliest year on record for humanitarians. 2024 could be even worse.
Share this video to help us pressure parties to conflict and world leaders to take action.
We will take our combined voices to the United Nations General Assembly in New York this September to demand they #ActForHumanity.Video transcript
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Humanitarians under attack
Attacks harming humanitarians have become common and can be a violation of International Humanitarian Law (IHL).
In 2023, 280 humanitarians were killed, most of them were national staff working to help their own communities.
So far this year, more than 170 humanitarians have been killed. At least another 150 have been injured or abducted.
© Palestinian Red Crescent Society
THIS WAS AN AMBULANCE
The rules of war: All parties to armed conflict – States and non-State armed groups alike – must respect international humanitarian law.
This means they must:
Protect all civilians, including humanitarian workers and all civilian objects, including humanitarian assets.
Allow humanitarian aid to reach all civilians who need it, safely, quickly and without obstruction.
Care for wounded and sick people and protect medical personnel, facilities and transports.
Protect objects indispensable for civilians’ survival, such as crops and drinking water.
Treat all people under their control humanely. Torture, sexual violence and other forms of inhumane treatment are strictly prohibited.
© WHO
THIS WAS A HOSPITAL
The human toll of ignoring IHL
From looting and obstruction to attacks and kidnapping, threats to humanitarian workers’ safety and movement compromise a lifeline to millions of people in need.
This results in ordinary people losing access to essentials such as food, water and medical care.
The destruction of hospitals, schools and other civilian infrastructure devastates communities for generations.
In 2023, global humanitarian operations provided life-saving aid to more than 140 million people.
Despite the challenges, humanitarians persist in striving to help all those in need.
Who is responsible?
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the 1949 Geneva Conventions – part of the foundation of IHL and the global consensus that wars must have limits.
Parties to armed conflict are obligated to uphold IHL.
All States must use their influence to prevent and end IHL violations.
The issue isn’t the absence of rules but the failure to uphold them.
We need political will and courage to ensure respect for IHL.
© UNICEF/UN026941/Basha
THIS WAS A SCHOOL
Resources
What is International Humanitarian Law?
ICRC
Rapid support for aid workers at risk
Protect Aid Workers
UN Secretary General’s Report on the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict
UN
UN Security Council resolution on the protection of humanitarian personnel
UN
2024 statement on the Protection of Civilians
NGO Working Group
2023 Aid Worker Security Report
Humanitarian Outcomes
source https://www.worldhumanitarianday.org/
Categories: United Nations