Concern urges end to attacks on humanitarians and civilians as it marks World Humanitarian Day

Concern Worldwide is calling for an end to attacks against humanitarian workers and civilians as it marks World Humanitarian Day tomorrow, Monday, August 19.

The Irish humanitarian organisation is making the appeal to world leaders with the UN and other humanitarian bodies who are highlighting the horrifying toll armed conflicts are having on civilians and humanitarian workers.

Concern is a co-signature to a letter being sent to member states of the UN General Assembly tomorrow (August 19) appealing for an end to attacks on civilians and aid workers.

This follows 2023 being one of the deadliest years on record for humanitarian workers according to the Humanitarian Outcomes and Aid Worker Security Database, (280 killed, 224 injured and 91 kidnapped) and that trend is continuing in 2024.

Concern, which works in 26 fragile or conflict-affected countries with many humanitarian partner organisations, said humanitarian workers and civilians should never be targets in a conflict.

“The targeting and attack of aid workers is escalating,” said Concern chief executive David Regan.

“Humanitarian workers everywhere must join together and urge world leaders to act for humanity and end attacks on humanitarian workers and civilians.

“The safety and security of our staff and the people we are supporting is always at the foremost of our minds.

“Concern will continue to stay and deliver in humanitarian crises around the world, but we believe the targeting of aid workers requires us to take a united stand to call for the protection of our staff and the civilians we serve.”

World Humanitarian Day, which is every year on August 19, was designated by the UN General Assembly in 2008 to coincide with the anniversary of the 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq.