About World Humanitarian Day
On August 19th 2003, a terrorist attack hit the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad, killing 22 people. Among those who lost their lives was Sergio Vieira de Mello, the UN’s top representative in Iraq.
Five years later, the General Assembly adopted a resolution designating 19 August as World Humanitarian Day. Every year since then, the humanitarian community has organized global campaigns to commemorate WHD, advocating for the safety and security of humanitarian aid workers, and for the survival, well-being and dignity of people affected by crises.
Find out moreSimilar Observances
International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
Find out the dates, history and traditions of International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
Read More
Read More
Genocide Prevention Day
A day to raise awareness of the Genocide Convention and its role in combating and preventing the crime of genocide, as defined in the Convention, and to commemorate and honour its victims.
Read More
Read More
Other Observances on August 19th 2021
National Aviation Day
The National Aviation Day (August 19) is a United States national observation that celebrates the development of aviation.
Read More
Read More
