Despite repeated promises from the international community, humanitarians continue to come under attack, with over 1,000 aid workers killed in the past three years alone.
On World Humanitarian Day, 19 August, join our call to end these violations and the impunity that allows them. #ActForHumanity
Background
On 19 August 2003, a bomb attack on the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq, killed 22 humanitarian aid workers, including the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello. Five years later, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution designating 19 August as World Humanitarian Day (WHD).
Each year, WHD focuses on a theme, bringing together partners from across the humanitarian system to advocate for the survival, well-being and dignity of people affected by crises, and for the safety and security of aid workers.
This year, the demand is clear: act early before warning signs become casualty lists. Stop the violence. Stop the obstruction. Investigate every attack. Prosecute those responsible. Support survivors and families.
WHD is a campaign by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
Ceremony
On 19 August, UN Geneva held a commemorative event in the memory of those who paid the utmost sacrifice in line of duty and to honour the invaluable contribution of humanitarian workers.
Programme
World Humanitarian Day 2026 – Commemoration Ceremony
Tuesday, 19 August 2026, 4 p.m.
Salle des Pas Perdus, 3rd Floor, Building A, Palais des Nations
4 P.M. OPENING OF THE EVENT
Master of ceremony: Ms. Alessandra Vellucci, Director, United Nations Information Service at Geneva
Wreath laying and candle lightning ceremony by the United Nations
Laying of flowers by the survivors and families of the victims of the attack against the United Nations Mission in Baghdad of 19 August 2003, and other UN offices
Laying of flowers by the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Iraq to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva
Remarks by Ms. Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General, United Nations Office
at Geneva
Minute of silence
Remarks by Mr. Barham Salih, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Remarks by Ms. Awa Dabo, Deputy High Commissioner, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
Remarks by H.E. Mr. Saywan Barzani, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Iraq to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva
Remarks by Ms. Shawbo Taher-Al-Talabani, survivor of the 19 August 2003 terrorist attack against the United Nations Mission in Baghdad
Remarks by Ms. Laura Johnson, Executive Secretary, UNOG Staff Union
Remarks by Ms. Gemma Connell, Officer-in-Charge, Humanitarian Sector Division, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
5 P.M. CONCLUSION OF THE EVENT
You can watch again the ceremony here: webtv.un.org