On World Humanitarian Day, UN pays tribute to aid workers around globe

(August 22, 2011) The United Nations paid homage to humanitarian workers around the world Friday with ceremonies of remembrance for the fallen, and praise and songs of tribute for the hundreds of thousands of others who daily brave danger and hardship to bring aid to those less fortunate. World Humanitarian Day is a celebration of people helping people. Every day humanitarian aid workers help millions of people around the world no matter who they are or where they are. The day recognizes the sacrifices and contributions of those who risk their lives to give others help and hope. “Wherever there are people in need, there are people who help them – men and women coming together to ease suffering and bring hope,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a message on World Humanitarian Day, which coincides with the anniversary of the worst terrorist attack against the UN in Baghdad eight years ago. “From Japan to Sudan, from Pakistan to the Horn of Africa, aid workers help people who have lost their homes, loved ones and sources of income,” he added, citing four countries or regions that have suffered respectively from a recent tsunami and nuclear crisis, war and displacement, massive flooding, and severe drought and deadly famine. The General Assembly proclaimed 19 August as World Humanitarian Day three years ago to commemorate the 2003 Canal Hotel bombing in Baghdad, which claimed the lives of 22 UN staff members, including the world body’s top envoy in Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello, and wounded more than 150 people. The theme of this year’s celebration is “People Helping People,” a message highlighted by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.