Why in News?
World Humanitarian Day is observed annually on 19 August to honour humanitarian workers and highlight the risks they face while helping people affected by conflicts, disasters and other emergencies.
About
- Date: 19 August
- Designated by: United Nations General Assembly in 2008
- The date commemorates the 2003 Canal Hotel bombing in Baghdad, which killed 22 humanitarian workers, including UN envoy Sergio Vieira de Mello.
- 2026 Theme: “The time for concern is over. The time for consequence is now.”
- The day calls for the protection of humanitarian workers, respect for International Humanitarian Law, and safe and unhindered humanitarian access.
- According to UNICEF, at least 326 humanitarians were killed in 21 countries and territories in 2025.
