Tweet Your Support of #HumanitarianHeroes on World Humanitarian Day

Written by Wendy Ann Mitchell

On Aug. 19, 2003, 22 aid workers were killed in the bombing at the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad. Today, all around the world, people are celebrating World Humanitarian Day to increase awareness about humanitarian efforts worldwide and emphasize the importance of international cooperation.

Reliefweb reports that as of August 15, 2014, there have been 79 aid workers killed. There has been an increase in the months of July and August, especially in Gaza and Sudan.

The research by Humanitarian Outcomes reports that in 2013, there were 155 aid workers killed, 171 seriously wounded and 134 kidnapped. Afghanistan has the highest number of attacks, with 81 aid workers killed in 2013.

The World Health Organization is calling for an end to the targeting of health care workers in areas of conflict.

World Humanitarian Day aims to shine the spotlight on humanitarians around the world and show ‘Humanitarian Heroes’ who are committed to making a difference. Tweet #HumanitarianHeroes to show support for those brave workers who risk their lives every day to help others.

Visit the World Humanitarian Day website and watch this YouTube video to learn more about lifesaving work taking place around the world.

Photo: World Humanitarian Day Facebook