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World Humanitarian Day 2013

On the 10th anniversary of the Canal Hotel bombing in Baghdad, we remember the courage of those that came before us, we recognize the bravery of those who work alongside us, and we appreciate the determination of those who are yet to come.

Every year on August 19th, World Humanitarian Day recognizes those who face danger and adversity to help others. We honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and we pay tribute to those who continue to help people around the world, regardless of who they are and where they are. It is a global celebration of people helping people.

August 19th is the anniversary of the 2003 bombing of the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq, which killed 22 people including Special Representative of the Secretary-General to Iraq, Sérgio Vieira de Mello.

Every year, millions of people around the world suffer because of natural and made-made disasters. Humanitarian workers strive to ensure that these people - often the world's poorest and most vulnerable individuals - receive life-saving assistance, regardless of where they are in the world, religion or nationality.

We face a future in which more aid will be needed, so aid workers need to be helped, not targeted. If we do not have full access to those in need, hundreds of thousands of people will not receive the assistance they require. The best way to ensure we can fulfill our mission is by improving awareness of and respect for the principles on which aid work is conducted: humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence.

For more information, visit: worldhumanitarianday.org


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