UN marks first World Humanitarian Day by United Nations News 9:16am 19th Aug, 2009   19 August 2009    The United Nations marked the first World Humanitarian Day by paying tribute to the efforts of aid workers on the frontlines around the globe vowing to redouble the international community’s commitment to continue to assist people in need.    Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon noted that more humanitarian workers were kidnapped, seriously injured or killed last year during violent attacks than ever before.    “This is unacceptable,” Mr. Ban said, pledging to do all that he can as UN Secretary-General to help victims while protecting the security and independence of those who work so hard to save them.    He noted that just yesterday two Afghan UN staff members along with more than half a dozen others were killed in a suicide attack in Kabul, two days ahead of the country’s presidential and provincial council elections.    Mr. Ban also voiced his great sadness at the violence in Baghdad, where an “appalling” string of attacks reportedly killed at least 95 people and wounded nearly 600 others.    Mr. Ban said that the men and women who serve as humanitarian workers “come from many backgrounds. But they share a conviction that one person’s suffering is everyone’s responsibility.”    He stressed the need for the international community “to renew its commitment to help vulnerable, voiceless and marginalized people wherever they may be. That is the abiding mission of the humanitarian community.”    UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay also noted the attacks against UN staff and other humanitarian workers. “Killing those who are trying to help others is a particularly despicable crime, and one which all governments must join forces to prevent”, she said.    Ms. Pillay emphasized that humanitarian work and human rights are inextricably entwined. “And without humanitarian aid,” she added, “the basic human rights of millions of people – including the right to seek asylum from persecution, the right to education, and, most fundamental of all, the right to life would be denied. Similarly, if human rights are ignored during a humanitarian crisis, the crisis will most often deepen.”    General Assembly President Miguel D’Escoto used the occasion to denounce the escalating attacks on humanitarian workers and demand that those responsible be brought to justice.    “We demand that States fulfil their obligations under international law to protect humanitarian workers and UN personnel, too many of whom continue to be harmed and even murdered, often with impunity,” he said in his message.    Margaret Chan, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), issued her own message highlighting the “humanitarian imperative” to extend help to those who have been displaced, or injured, or need food, water, shelter, comfort and essential medical care.    “As the number of emergencies continues to increase, we must remain steadfast in our determination to help – to be quickly on the scene in the growing number of ‘hot spots’ around the world,” she noted, reaffirming WHO’s commitment to lead global and national responses to the health component of emergencies.    Text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s remarks on the launch of the first World Humanitarian Day.    This is a solemn day. I know many of you here are humanitarians who have served around the world. Many of you have risked your lives to help others. Some of you have lost colleagues or loved ones.    Just one minute ago, I observed a minute of silence and paid my tribute to all our fallen distinguished colleagues 6 years ago in Baghdad, including Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Special Representative Sergio Vieira de Mello. Just yesterday, we again mourned the deaths of two Afghan United Nations staff members, along with more than half a dozen others killed in a suicide attack in Kabul.    Last year, more humanitarian workers were kidnapped, seriously injured or killed during violent attacks than ever before. This is unacceptable.    Today, the first observance of World Humanitarian Day, we remember their sacrifice. Today, we recognize the millions of people who count on us for their very survival. The one billion people afflicted by hunger.    The tens of millions forced to flee their homes because of disaster and conflict. The children who die from diseases we know how to cure. The women and girls who are brutalized by sexual violence. We need to tackle these problems at their root.    But until we do, lives will hang in the balance. And the humanitarian community will be on the scene, rushing bravely towards danger, determined to help people in need.    Today is the anniversary of the Canal Hotel bombing in Iraq which killed Sergio and 21 other people. I am deeply saddened that the violence continues, including an appalling string of attacks today in Baghdad which took the lives of scores of innocent people.    Each year on August 19th, we will honour the memory of fallen humanitarians. We will pay tribute to the dedicated men and women who are out there among the vulnerable, providing hope and help. And we will draw the world’s attention to the great magnitude of suffering in our world that needs our urgent attention. Visit the related web page
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