Geneva, 19 August 2024 - The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) will join the global community today (Monday) in marking World Humanitarian Day. This year, the day takes on a deeper urgency as we confront alarming levels of violence against humanitarian workers.
In 2024 alone, 28 IFRC staff and volunteers have tragically lost their lives while performing their lifesaving duties.To address this growing crisis, the IFRC is launching a public awareness campaign, #ProtectHumanity, to draw attention to the critical need for the protection of humanitarian workers and the civilians they serve.
As part of this campaign, the IFRC will join the ‘Stand in Solidarity’ initiative, organized by the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC), to demand urgent action. This event serves to remind States and other parties of their moral and legal obligations to protect humanitarian workers and civilians.
The IFRC President, Kate Forbes, and the IFRC Secretary General, Jagan Chapagain, said:
“Since the start of this year, 28 of our volunteers and staff have died or been tragically killed while performing their humanitarian duties. This period has seen some of the highest levels of global violence against our volunteers and staff.
"Even one life lost is far too many. We have reached a tipping point where we must demand the safety and protection of our workers. Today on World Humanitarian Day, the IFRC is launching a public awareness campaign to shed light on the need to protect humanitarian workers.
"We must raise awareness of the urgent need to protect people in crises, but especially our volunteers and staff, who risk their lives daily to help and save others.
"While the IFRC network and our volunteers are committed to serving those in need, their safety and protection ultimately lie beyond our direct control. Today, we call on authorities and governments to uphold international humanitarian principles and ensure the protection of those who risk their lives to provide critical assistance. The world needs humanitarians more than ever. It’s time to #ActForHumanity. Don’t look away”.
Event Details:
What: Stand in Solidarity Event
When: Monday, 19 August 2024, at 14:00
Where: Main entrance of IFRC Headquarters, GenevaFor more information or to set up an interview contact: [email protected]
In Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa: +41 79 7084367 and Andrew Thomas: +41 76 3676587