Hailing their unrelenting efforts and dedication to help, even to the point of risking their lives, the United States of America today paid tribute to the world’s humanitarians, the unsung heroes of the world.
In a press statement, US Secretary of State John Kerry said the world’s humanitarians are heroes who despite the risks, work to save lives on the front lines of conflict and help victims of natural disasters, pick up the pieces and rebuild their communities.
Secretary Kerry said he felt privileged to be on the frontline to meet some of the bravest humanitarians particularly in times of tragedy and crises.
Humanitarians At Work
Secretary Kerry said he has witnessed brave leaders and community members in Iraq who are standing up to ISIL’s grotesque campaign of violence and terror. He has also seen the commitment of aid workers in refugee camps on the Syrian border, helping Syria’s people and its neighbors cope with one of the cruelest humanitarian crises in generations.
“In each case, humanitarians – armed with courage and a powerful moral compass – are answering the cries of those in dire need and our common call to conscience.”
The humanitarian workers are providing food, water, clothing, shelter, and medical care where no one else can or will.
With their love for their work and people, they are working to reunite children separated from their parents and families torn apart by chaos and conflict.
In addition, humanitarians continue to touch lives by helping victims of sexual violence to heal and helping the world to speak with a unified voice that the use of sexual violence as a tactic of war and intimidation is absolutely unacceptable in the 21st century.
US Committed to Humanitarians’ Safety and Security
Highlighting its support to all humanitarians worldwide, the United States remains steadfast in its commitment to doing everything it can to provide for humanitarians’ safety and security.
On World Humanitarian Day
Remembering the service rendered by the humanitarians, the US remembers the men and women who pay the ultimate price as a result of their devotion.
“Today, we recommit to their mission of bringing charity, healing, and kindness to those who need it most. We remember the universal principles they gave their lives to uphold.” – Secretary Kerry
As the world pays tribute to these unsung heroes, the US honors them by taking up the torch they have left behind, by acting to affirm human dignity wherever it is denied.
“Today, as the United States and the global community recall the names of these and all humanitarians, we remember our own obligation to affirm the inherent value of every life, and what that demands from our own lives.” – Secretary Kerry
155 Aid Workers Lost Their Lives in 30 Countries
Last year, six Afghan employees of the Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development were shot while working on a rural development project in the northern Afghan province of Faryab. In Somalia, one Kenyan, five Somali, and two South African nationals were killed at their U.N. compound in Mogadishu.
In other countries, five South Sudanese aid workers were killed earlier this month because they were ethnic Nuer.
2014 Theme: The World Needs More…
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 to render service amid uncertainties and danger
