In his message for World Humanitarian Day, the head of the United Nations warned of the constant risks faced by UN personnel in the conflicts in Gaza, Sudan and many other places.

Humanitarian workers are being attacked, killed, injured and kidnapped along with the civilians they support, the high representative stressed.

At the same time, disinformation campaigns spread lies that cost lives and International Humanitarian Law is being ignored and trampled on, he wrote. A climate of impunity means that perpetrators do not fear justice; This is a failure of humanity, responsibility and leadership, warned the head of the organization.

Guterres demanded more pressure from governments on all parties to the conflict to protect civilians, as well as an end to arms transfers to armies and groups that violate international law.

“Celebrating humanitarian workers is not enough. We must all do more to protect and safeguard our common humanity,” he stressed in his message.

At least 280 humanitarian workers were killed in 33 countries during 2023, a shockingly high figure, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

The rate represents an increase of 137 percent compared to 2022, when 118 members of aid organizations were killed.

This year, the international date calls for denouncing the normalization of attacks against civilians, including UN staff, NGOs and other entities, and the impunity of such acts under International Humanitarian Law.

Under the theme Act for Humanity, the World Humanitarian Day reiterates the organization’s vocation to serve all people in need, no matter who, where or what.

The day commemorates the bombing of the Canal Hotel in Baghdad in 2003, which claimed the lives of 22 humanitarian workers, including the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello.

Five years later, the General Assembly adopted a resolution designating August 19 as World Humanitarian Day. ef/ro/ebr