UN Honors Humanitarian Workers and Emergency Responders on World Humanitarian Day Amid Rising Global Risks

-

 

UN, Emergency Responders, International Organization,

“Today, I want to recognise the many human rights defenders who risk their lives around the world, and the courage and dedication of all my UN Human Rights staff,” said the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights - Volker Türk in his video message for World Humanitarian Day. “The sacrifice of our colleagues strengthens our resolve to continue their essential work.” 


In Geneva, Switzerland, colleagues, families, and friends gathered at the UN Human Rights headquarters to pay tribute to all humanitarian workers and emergency responders who have lost their lives in service across the globe. Each year, 19 August is observed as World Humanitarian Day, a moment to recognize those who dedicate themselves to alleviating human suffering, and to remember the victims of humanitarian crises worldwide. 


Nada Al-Nashif, the UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights and a survivor of the Canal Hotel bombing, reflected on her experience when she was UNDP Country Director in Iraq during the commemoration in Geneva.

“We were caught up in a feverish excitement at the thought of what could be achieved, the endless possibilities of support, advice, assistance,” she said. “Even as we took daily risks and coped with the unrelenting pressure of delivering, we were sustained by a certain innocence — the belief that the big blue UN flag was our protection, its folds sufficiently strong to make us untouchable.” 


The event also highlighted the grave risks humanitarian workers face today, including targeted attacks that have led to deaths, injuries, abductions, and detentions. With 2024 marking the deadliest year on record for humanitarian personnel, concerns are growing that 2025 could prove even worse.


From Afghanistan to Sudan, from Palestine to Venezuela, humanitarian and human rights workers continue their missions under severe risks and limited access. With nearly 60 armed conflicts ongoing around the globe, the scale and complexity of crises are growing, and so are their human rights implications. 

Popular posts from this blog

New Global Organizations with New Hope: The DMPI and Joint Council CC23

-
Image
The Joint Council CC23 is a council of the Disaster Management, Peace, and Development International (DMPI), an organization dedicated to promoting global cooperation and coordination. At the forefront of the organization's international operations, the Council serves as the coordinator, bringing together diverse entities to address global challenges. The mission of Joint Council CC23 is to enhance collaborative efforts and ensure seamless coordination between various organizations working towards common goals in environmental protection, disaster management, and sustainable development.  With a strong foundation and ambitious goals, the DMPI and Joint Council CC23 are expected to make a significant impact on global environmental protection and disaster management.
Read more

Iraq’s farmers and fishermen struggle amid drought

-
Image
Iraq is among the nations most severely impacted by climate change, with its effects being particularly devastating for the country's farmers. Rising temperatures and reduced water availability have led to a significant decline in crop yields in recent years. Farmers in various sectors, such as Sarhan Jaber Taher, who comes from a long line of water buffalo rearers, are also feeling the strain. Taher’s family currently cares for 200 out of 300 buffalo, relying on their milk for income. However, the changing climate is gradually eroding their profits. For centuries, the Euphrates River, the longest in Western Asia, has nourished the Fertile Crescent—a historically fertile region spanning several countries, including Iraq. However, the river’s water supply in central Iraq has been dwindling due to a combination of upstream dams, outdated irrigation methods, and the effects of climate change. Officials report that water flows in the Euphrates and the parallel-running Tigris River were...
Read more

Chinese cities are sweltering in record-breaking heat, putting rice-growing regions at risk

-
Image
Beijing: On Tuesday (Aug 6), extreme heat gripped megacities along China's eastern seaboard, sharply increasing power demand as homes and offices sought relief from the scorching temperatures. Meanwhile, the intense heat in China's interior has raised concerns about potential damage to rice crops. In Hangzhou, a megacity with 12.5 million residents and home to major companies like Alibaba and NetEase, authorities banned non-essential outdoor lighting and light shows to conserve energy. Temperatures in the city have soared above 40 degrees Celsius since Friday, as eastern and southern China continue to endure relentless heat. Shanghai, with nearly 25 million people, saw its power grid's maximum load surpass 40 million kilowatts for the first time on Aug 2, as heat waves drove up electricity consumption. Hangzhou's power grids also recorded new highs, prompting officials to implement measures to maintain essential lighting in public spaces and ensure nighttime travel safe...
Read more