In our world, the darkest moments are defined by the loudest cries of children. These cries echo through disaster-stricken landscapes, war zones and refugee camps. As disasters and wars reshape lives and devastate communities, the suffering of the innocent becomes an indelible mark on the fabric of humanity. Today, more than 120 million people are uprooted from their homes and communities worldwide. Children, constantly on the move, fleeing missile strikes and bombings in places like Sudan and Gaza, stand as living testimonies to this unbearable suffering.
Yet, in these shadows of despair, humanitarian workers, many of them local volunteers, emerge as beacons of hope. They embody compassion, resilience, and the unwavering belief that every life holds value. The services they offer are not just lifelines, but a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit. The principles that guide humanitarian work have never been more vital. As conflicts intensify, climate crises worsen, and disasters multiply, defending humanitarian workers is imperative.
World Humanitarian Day: A call to action
August 19 is World Humanitarian Day, a day to honour selfless individuals who venture into the world's most perilous places, driven by an unyielding commitment to defend humanity. This day commemorates the sacrifice of 22 humanitarian workers, including the United Nations' Sergio Vieira de Mello, who lost their lives in a bombing in Iraq on August 19, 2003. In 2008, the UN General Assembly declared August 19 as World Humanitarian Day, emphasising the survival, well-being, and dignity of people affected by crises, as well as the safety and security of aid workers.
'Act for humanity'
This year, the theme is “#ActForHumanity,” a call to confront the normalisation of violence against civilians and humanitarian workers. Attacks on humanitarian workers can constitute a war crime. Despite this, in 2023, more aid workers died by violence than in any previous year on record, with 280 fatalities reported in 33 countries. More than half of these deaths (163) were aid workers killed in the first three months of the conflict in Gaza, mostly as a result of airstrikes.
In certain conflict zones, armed forces and groups continue to violate International Humanitarian Law, often targeting the very people who risk their lives to save others. The world is failing humanitarian workers and, by extension, the people they serve in some of the darkest moments when they need support most.
Relentless bombing since October 7, 2023 had claimed over 40,000 lives in Gaza (including the lives of humanitarian workers) transforming the region into one of the deadliest places for humanitarians. Hospitals, schools and homes have been reduced to rubble, and those seeking refuge and hostages have become casualties in a conflict that knows no bounds. The conflict in Sudan has displaced over six million children, with hospitals and humanitarian workers coming under direct attack.
Both in Gaza and Sudan, systematic blocking of relief suppliers and relief workers highlight the urgent need to demand an end to such violations and impunity and push for peace and justice.
On the World Humanitarian Day, we must put pressure on parties involved in conflicts and world leaders to take action to ensure the protection of civilians, including humanitarians, in conflict zones.
Everyday humanitarians: The true heroes
Crises do not create heroes—they show us who they are. In the face of unimaginable suffering, true humanitarians rise to the challenge. They are not superheroes in capes but ordinary people who choose to make a difference. For them, the more gruesome the crisis, the more determined they become to act.
Paola Belotti, for example, has spent the last year in Adre, a border town between Sudan and Chad, now home to thousands of Sudanese refugees. Paola is a child protection in emergencies specialist with Plan International. She considers herself an “accidental humanitarian,” driven by her experiences as a student counsellor for young migrants and refugees detained in prison in her hometown in Italy. “Everybody deserves a chance, especially children,” she says. “They have no role in the wars that destroy their lives, yet they suffer the most.” Paola’s work in providing emotional care and protection to children in refugee camps and in war zones is not just a source of relief—it is often the only source of hope.
Similarly, Baraka Damien, born to refugee parents in Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Malawi, refuses to give up. “I want to be a humanitarian because it is the kindest job,” he says. “I have experienced firsthand the difference humanitarian workers bring in otherwise what may be considered as hopeless situations”. As he pursues his undergraduate degree and dreams of higher education in Canada, (subject to scholarship and appropriate document that enables refugees to travel), Baraka works tirelessly to support refugee children, organising disaster risk management clubs in schools. “My life as a refugee has taught me the true impact that humanitarian action, especially education, can bring into the lives of children in hopeless situations,” he adds.
The humanitarian spirit: Hope amid despair
So, what exactly is the humanitarian spirit? Fuelled by hope, grit, solidarity, and collaboration, humanitarian spirit demonstrates an unshakeable commitment that we can and must make the world a kinder, peaceful and more just place. This spirit is not born from noble intentions alone but is forged by real-world challenges—wars, conflicts, economic upheaval, and climate shocks.
"Education and training offer a foundation, but nothing truly prepares you for the relentless uncertainty of war zones and refugee camps,” says Paola. “Being a humanitarian means confronting chaos with compassion and courage.”
Humanitarian workers often find themselves in situations where International Humanitarian Law is systematically violated, amplifying the suffering of both the victims and the aid workers themselves. The presence of humanitarians alone may not stop a war or prevent a genocide, but their absence would make life even more unimaginable for those who have lost everything. They may not halt the floods or earthquakes, but their efforts bring hope to those who need it most. In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” This profound truth resonates deeply with humanitarian workers who often risk their lives to defend the dignity of others.
On World Humanitarian Day, we are reminded that even in the darkest moments, hope endures. The unyielding spirit of humanitarian workers inspires us all to act for humanity—defend the vulnerable and protect every life, including those who selflessly serve.
The author is Global Humanitarian Director at Plan International
