2009: The first World Humanitarian Day
Established by the General Assembly (GA) of the United Nations in December 2008, 19 August 2009 is the first World Humanitarian Day. The designation of the Day is a way to increase public understanding of humanitarian assistance activities worldwide. The Day also aims to honour humanitarian workers who have lost their lives or been injured in the course of their work. The General Assembly invites all countries, the entities of the UN system and international and non-governmental organizations to observe the day annually in an appropriate manner.
Documents
- Flyer [EN] (PDF)
Resources
- The Secretary-General’s Message on World Humanitarian Day (UN SG)
- First World Humanitarian Day to raise public awareness, honour humanitarian staff, those who gave their lives in cause of duty, 19 August at UN Headquarters (OCHA)
- World Humanitarian Day: Delivering aid, despite the risks (OCHA)
- One person’s suffering is everyone’s responsibility’, says UN SG in video message marking first annual World Humanitarian Day (UN SG)