World Humanitarian Day – 19 Aug

Observed annually on 19 August, World Humanitarian Day is an international commemoration dedicated to honouring humanitarian workers, particularly those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. 

The day was established in remembrance of the 2003 bombing of the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq, which claimed the lives of 22 people, including Sergio Vieira de Mello, the United Nations’ chief humanitarian in Iraq. In 2009, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) formally designated the date as World Humanitarian Day.

The theme for this year, “Strengthening Global Solidarity and Empowering Local Communities,” reflects the core principle of humanitarian aid: the international community must unite in supporting those affected by crises, while ensuring that local communities are not seen merely as recipients of assistance, but as active participants and leaders shaping their futures.