Today is World Humanitarian Day

#ActForHumanity

Today marks World Humanitarian Day (WHD), a time to recognise aid workers who have sacrificed their own lives to help people affected by global crises. Since the deaths of 22 UN and relief agency staff in a Baghdad bombing 21 years ago, August 19 each year honours aid workers who have lost their lives, as well as those who continue to put their lives on the line, to help people in need across the globe.

WHD brings together partners from across the humanitarian system to advocate for the survival, wellbeing and dignity of people affected by crises, and for the safety and security of aid workers.

2023 was the deadliest year on record for humanitarian workers and 2024 could be even worse. These facts lay bare a glaring truth: the world is failing humanitarian workers and, by extension, the people they serve.

This World Humanitarian Day sees a global call for an end to attacks on humanitarian workers and humanitarian assets and is commemorated under the theme #ActForHumanity.

To commemorate World Humanitarian Day 2024, join us, this Thursday 22 August for a powerful Healthy Minds discussion designed to foster compassion, understanding, and connection with others. We’ll explore the ‘just like me’ practice, that helps us recognise the fundamental similarities we share with all human beings, regardless of our apparent differences. By cultivating awareness of our interconnectedness, we can inspire compassionate action and create a more understanding, peaceful world.