Secretary-General, in Message on World Humanitarian Day, Honours Fallen Aid

Workers, Urging Protection, Support for ‘Those Who Carry on Their Work’

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message for World Humanitarian Day, observed on 19 August:

On World Humanitarian Day, we renew our commitment to life-saving relief efforts, and we remember all those who died serving this noble cause.

Last year, more humanitarian workers were kidnapped, seriously injured or killed than ever before.  This is an outrage.

In recent weeks, dozens of humanitarians, including members of the United Nations family, have lost their lives in South Sudan and Gaza.  Too many people have died or suffered from deliberate attacks.

Humanitarian workers and their families are hit hardest by these crimes.  But, they are also felt by millions of others.  Attacks on humanitarian workers hinder the ability of people in desperate need to receive life-saving assistance.

Children go unvaccinated.  Sick and wounded patients go untreated.  Those forced from their homes are left without food, water or shelter, exposed to violence, disease or other threats.

On World Humanitarian Day, we honour the heroic aid workers who rush bravely to help people in need.  We remember their sacrifices, and we recognize the millions of people who count on humanitarian workers for their very survival.

Let us honour the fallen by protecting those who carry on their work and supporting humanitarian relief operations worldwide.

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For information media • not an official record