The tragedy marked a turning point in subsequent operations because while humanitarians are respected globally, they can also be targeted by those who wish to do them harm, according to a message issued by UN Secretary-General (UNSG) António Guterres on the eve of the commemoration.

By 2023, the agency plans to provide life-saving assistance to 250 million people in 69 countries, ten times more than at the time of the Canal Hotel bombing, the UN chief added.

Funding is a long way off, mainly because of the impact of global crises.

“It is unacceptable that humanitarian workers are forced to cut back on assistance to millions of people in need,” Guterres stressed.

pll/iff/lam/ebr