World Leaders, All Parties to Conflict Must Ensure Humanitarians Are Protected from Harm, Says Secretary-General, in Message for International Day

Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for World Humanitarian Day, observed today:

World Humanitarian Day honours aid workers around the world who risk their own lives to help save and improve the lives of others.  This year, we pay special tribute to women humanitarians and the huge difference they make for millions of women, men and children in urgent need.

From supporting civilians caught up in crisis to addressing disease outbreaks, women humanitarians are on the front lines.  Their presence makes aid operations more effective by increasing their reach.  It also improves the humanitarian response to gender-based violence, which increases during emergencies.  Today, and for the rest of this month, we invite you to share their powerful stories through your online and social media platforms.  In doing so, we reaffirm our common commitment to strengthening the role of women in humanitarian operations.

World leaders, and all parties to conflict, must ensure that humanitarians are protected from harm, as required under international law.  Serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law continue around the world.  They must be investigated and prosecuted.

On World Humanitarian Day and every day, we stand up for humanitarian workers around the world.