World Humanitarian Day 2024: Addressing the Crisis of Attacks on Aid Workers
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | World Humanitarian Day |
| Date | August 19th |
| Theme for 2024 | #ActForHumanity |
| Key Issue | Increased targeting of humanitarian workers in conflict zones |
| 2023 Statistics | Deadliest year on record for aid worker casualties |
| 2024 Projections | Expected to surpass 2023's grim milestone |
| Violations | Growing disregard for International Humanitarian Law (IHL) |
| Key International Laws | Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocols |
| Impunity | Persistent lack of accountability for attacks on humanitarian workers |
| Campaign Objectives | 1. Confront normalization of attacks 2. Challenge impunity 3. Build public support 4. Demand concrete actions |
| Key Activities | Release of security data, global events, social media engagement, stakeholder involvement |
| Historical Context | Commemorates the 2003 Canal Hotel bombing in Baghdad, killing 22 workers |
| Victim Highlight | Sergio Vieira de Mello, UN Special Representative for Iraq |
| Official Recognition | UN General Assembly resolution in 2008 |
| Lead Organization | United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) |
| OCHA's Role | Coordinate campaign, advocate for protection of civilians and aid workers |
| Call to Action | Governments enforce IHL, armed groups respect neutrality, public raise awareness |