World Humanitarian Day is held every year on 19 August to pay tribute to the workers who risk their lives in humanitarian service and to show support for people affected by crises around the world.
As humanitarians, we watch with concern the deteriorating situation in the world. We believe that it is our duty as Europeans to help improve the living conditions of people on the ground in developing countries so that they can be self-sufficient where they are at home and not be forced to become refugees. Because of the tensions in the crisis areas, the conditions and safety of aid workers have also deteriorated significantly.
On World Relief Day 2019, we are especially recognizing the work of women in crisis situations around the world. We focus on the intrepid heroines who have long worked on the front lines in their own communities in the most difficult terrain, those who have been wounded in the war in Afghanistan, those who have suffered from famine in the Sahel, those who have lost their homes and livelihoods in places like the Central African Republic, South Sudan, Syria and Yemen. We pay tribute to the efforts of aid workers from all over the world who serve people in need.
Women make up a large proportion of those who risk their own lives to save others. They are often the first to respond and the last to leave. These women deserve respect as they strengthen the global humanitarian response. And world leaders, as well as NGOs, must ensure that they - and all humanitarian organisations - are afforded the protection guaranteed to them under international law.
Supporting humanitarian work is an expression of humanity and mutual belonging. Therefore, we are grateful to all people of good will who appreciate and support our service in concrete ways.
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