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Every day, brave men and women risk their lives in humanitarian service to assist victims of wars and natural disasters worldwide. On the occasion of today's World Humanitarian Day, the European Union pays tribute to their work and dedication..
Recent figures show that the alarming trend of increasing violence against relief workers continues. Humanitarian workers are more and more frequently targets of attacks and kidnappings or even killed in blatant transgressions of International Humanitarian Law. Last year, 329 aid workers were attacked, over one third of whom were killed, and this violence knows no geographical boundaries. Humanitarians were victims of severe attacks in 27 countries in 2014.
"Saving lives should not cost lives. This is why on World Humanitarian Day we commemorate the brave women and men who died whilst in humanitarian service," said Christos Stylianides, EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management. "Today, we honour humanitarian workers who continue to risk their lives as they help people who suffer. Their selfless efforts are an inspiration to us all."
When insecurity forces aid organisations to suspend operations or pull out of dangerous regions, millions of vulnerable people are left without essential support. Without humanitarian access, lifesaving assistance cannot be delivered. The EU calls on all parties involved in conflict to respect International Humanitarian Law and allow humanitarian organisations safe and unhindered access to those who need help.
Background
World Humanitarian Day on 19 August commemorates the victims of the ruthless attack on the United Nations' headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq, in 2003. This tragic event caused the death of 22 humanitarians including the UN Special Representative Sergio Vieira de Mello. The European Union supports the World Humanitarian Day every year with an awareness raising campaign. One of the main objectives of the EU's campaign in 2015 is to promote global respect for International Humanitarian Law - a set of rules that seek to limit the impact of armed conflicts on civilians - and the principles that guide humanitarian action: humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence.
See more on the European Commission's Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection department (ECHO) website.
