An Oxfam staff member refills a water tanker in Ballouran, rural Latakia. (Photo: Islam Mardini/Oxfam)
This World Humanitarian Day, we must #ActForHumanity
Each year on August 19, World Humanitarian Day honors the memory of humanitarian workers who have lost their lives in the line of duty and recognizes the compassion and commitment of those who continue to support people affected by crises around the world.
We honor humanitarian workers everywhere, and the courage and sacrifices they make every day to help others. We stand in solidarity with our staff and partners on the frontlines, often working at immense personal risk, and urge governments to uphold their obligations to protect them.
Aid Workers Deserve Protection
It is difficult to celebrate World Humanitarian Day when over 1,000 aid workers have lost their lives in the past three years while caring for others. The toll was nearly three times higher than that of the previous three years combined. More than 700 attacks on humanitarian operations were reported in 2025, leaving 350 aid workers killed and hundreds were injured, abducted, or held without charge.
Today, as we mark World Humanitarian Day, we must reflect on the state of humanitarianism. Humanitarian work has always been framed upon the collective assumption that there are lines that should never be crossed, even in wars.
Now more than ever, it's time to #JustBeHuman
International humanitarian law exists because there are clear lines no one should cross.
Governments must do more to protect civilians and humanitarians.