Humanitarian Workers Offer Safety, Compassion, and Hope to Those in Need
Earlier this month, the global community marked World Humanitarian Day. The United States of America saluted the hard work of the many aid workers around the world.
In a press statement in Washington DC, US Secretary of State John Kerry said humanitarian workers are the unsung heroes of today who venture to the most dangerous places around the globe, to help those in need, and to save lives.
Amid the dark days experienced by the displaced, hurt, abandoned, abused, and unloved, Secretary Kerry said aid workers find ways to bring light to communities all over the world.
Aid workers voluntarily extend help with grace and grit, fearlessness and determination.
“We proudly salute their courage and resilience.” – Secretary Kerry
Grim Realities in the Life of a Humanitarian
Secretary Kerry said in 2014, at least 329 humanitarian aid workers around the world were victims of major attacks. More than 100 were kidnapped, scores were wounded, and 120 died in the service of millions of people in need.
He said the numbers do not say it all about the sacrifices of the aid workers. The humanitarian workers undergo sacrifices to work on the front lines of conflict, and they often become targets.
“Tragically, the world has lost some of its bravest and most compassionate humanitarians to acts of senseless violence.” – Secretary Kerry
Many of the aid workers who are killed in the line of duty are not expatriates but local staff, hired by charities and NGOs, people who do vital work in volatile places.
Humanitarian Workers: Unsung Heroes of Today
Secretary Kerry said workers represent leaders and community members in Iraq who strive to uphold humanitarian principles in the face of ISIL’s brutal campaign of violence and terror.
In addition, they represent workers on multiple continents who vaccinate children and educate youth, knowing that militants may gun them down for doing so.
The most admirable deed for these workers refer to the doctors who perform emergency surgery in dark, bombed-out hospitals in Syria, and health care workers who risk their lives to treat people with Ebola in West Africa.
And finally, aid workers endure the obstacles just to reach people in need. They are heroes who work day in and day out just to do their jobs.
“In places marred by insecurity, hatred and fear, they offer safety, compassion, and hope.” – Secretary Kerry
World Humanitarian Day
World Humanitarian Day is a celebration and recognition of men and women humanitarian workers who risk their lives help others. The day was designated by the General Assembly to coincide with the anniversary of the 2003 bombing of the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq.
World Humanitarian Day is also an opportunity to celebrate the innate nature of men and women to render service amid uncertainties and danger.
