Today is World Humanitarian Day 2020. On every August 19, we pay tribute to the humanitarian workers killed and injured in the course of their work and to support people affected by crises around the world.
Here are 8 quick Facts about #WorldHumanitarianDay celebration:
1. It is celebrated on 19 August to commemorates the humanitarian workers or real-life heroes who have committed their lives to help others in the most extreme circumstances around the world
2. The World Humanitarian day was designated in the memory of bomb attack on 19 August, 2003 on the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq where 22 people died including the chief humanitarian in Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello.
3. This year 11th World Humanitarian Day will be celebrated. #RealLifeHeroes campaign focuses on what drives humanitarians to continue to save and protect lives despite the conflict, insecurity, lack of access, and risks linked to COVID-19 pandemic
4. The Global Humanitarian Response Plan to COVID-19 as per the UN focuses on three strategic priorities:
i. Spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and decrease morbidity and mortality.
ii. A decrease in the deterioration of human assets and rights, social cohesion, and livelihoods.
ii. Protect, assist, and advocate for refugees, internally displaced people, migrants, and host communities mainly vulnerable to the pandemic.
5. Most of the attacks occurred in Syria followed by South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan, Central African Republic (CAR), Yemen, and Mali.
6. About 483 aid workers were attacked in 2019, 125 killed, 234 wounded and 124 kidnapped in a total of 277 separate incidents.
7. As per the WHO report, 1009 attacks were against healthcare workers and facilities, resulting in 199 deaths and 628 injuries.
8. In the worldwide 90% of attacks were on national staff.
Source: un.org