08/19/2026
August 19 marks World Humanitarian Day, a moment to honor humanitarian workers and stand in solidarity with people affected by crises worldwide.
When lives are at risk, those who step forward to help must never become targets. Yet humanitarian workers continue to be killed, injured, abducted, detained and obstructed simply for carrying out their work. The majority are national staff working to support people in their own communities.
International humanitarian law is clear: civilians, including humanitarian and medical personnel, must be respected and protected. Parties to armed conflict must also allow and facilitate humanitarian relief for people in need, in accordance with their obligations under international humanitarian law.
Attacks on humanitarian personnel have consequences that extend far beyond those directly affected. They disrupt food assistance, health care, protection and other life-saving services, leaving communities with fewer resources and opportunities to survive, recover and rebuild.
On World Humanitarian Day, we reaffirm the importance of protecting those who help others and ensuring that humanitarian action can reach people in need safely and without obstruction.
Today we remember and honor humanitarian and health workers who put their duty of care above their own safety and, too often, their own lives, as they serve communities affected by conflict and crises.
Today, we remember and honor the humanitarian and health workers who put the needs of others before their own safety and, too often, their own lives as they serve communities affected by conflict and crisis.
