19 August: World Humanitarian Day
The World Humanitarian Day (WHD) is observed every year on 19 August to recognize work of humanitarian personnel and those who have lost their lives working for humanitarian causes.
The observance of the day also provides an opportunity to celebrate the spirit that inspires humanitarian work around the globe.
2016 Theme: “One Humanity”. It highlights importance of shared human experiences that bind people together across divides and create a common responsibility to demand action for the most vulnerable at risk of being left behind.
2016 WHD digital campaign: “The World You’d Rather”.
Background
- The World Humanitarian Day was designated by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) by passing a resolution A/63/L.49.
- The resolution passed by UNGA on the Strengthening of the Coordination of Emergency Assistance of the United Nations was sponsored by Sweden.
- The day coincides with the anniversary of the 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq.
- In this bombing, then Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General to Iraq, Sérgio Vieira de Mello and his 21 colleagues were killed.
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Month: Current Affairs - August, 2016