On August 19, 2003, a terrorist attack at the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq, killed 22 members of the humanitarian personnel who were in said facilities. In 2009, the United Nations General Assembly declared August 19 World Humanitarian Day, recognizing humanitarian workers and those who have lost their lives fighting for humanitarian causes around the world.
World Humanitarian Day honors humanitarian workers who selflessly risk their lives serving those most in need. A day that brings hope and support to the innocent living in conflict areas around the world, a reminder of the importance of helping those in need without waiting for change, as an act of solidarity.
Every August 19 a theme is established, being for this 2018: #NotATarget, a campaign that calls for awareness of the millions of civilians living in places affected by the armed conflict. People living in a war zone struggle every day to find the basics: food, clean water and a safe shelter, also living situations of abuse and dehumanization.
#NotATarget it is a movement that demands that world leaders do everything in their power to protect innocent civilians trapped in conflict areas. Humanitarians believe in the value of human life and in the benevolent treatment of all, in access to assistance without asking for anything in return, and in the improvement of people's conditions.
In a situation that is sometimes a bit pessimistic, humanitarian work gives us a light of hope, an unconditional search for the common good. August 19 is a day to remember the noble work of men and women who day by day risk their lives for the well-being of many, around the world.
Try to get involved in a cause, in helping those who need it, be it a neighbor, a friend or an organization, every grain of sand contributed will be a step towards change.
