Millions of people today are struggling to meet their most basic humanitarian needs, from the severe humanitarian situation unfolding in Gaza, which is under the world's gaze, to the different geographies where wars, disasters, and poverty have displaced lives.
World Humanitarian Day, commemorated every year on August 19 by the United Nations, reminds us of our responsibility to remain indifferent to human suffering, no matter where we live.
To consider the troubles of others as our own is one of the most valuable traits that our civilization has nurtured for centuries. We come from a deep-rooted tradition that opens doors to those who are stranded, looks after the tables of those in need, and establishes foundations wherever there are people, from the education of students to the care of patients.
What is happening today in different parts of the world once again shows how much we need this responsibility that we have carried for centuries. It is our duty to carry this understanding, which places humanity and human dignity at its center, to future generations.
A generation that can see the troubles of others
We have been accompanying young girls in their education for TÜRGEV years. Our thirty years of experience have shown us that education is a process that nourishes not only academic success but also a person's character and sense of responsibility. We also care about which values young people will walk with as they develop their knowledge and abilities, and what kind of responsibility they will take on towards their countries and humanity.
We believe that young people who can see the troubles of others while building their own future, who do not remain indifferent to the issues of the society they live in, and who are committed to using their knowledge and resources for the benefit of humanity will add value to Turkey's future.
In the TÜRGEV dormitories, young girls from different cities of Turkey come together under the same roof, sharing the same table. Noticing a friend's need, standing by them in difficult times, and sharing what one has are also parts of this shared life. The responsibility that a person carries towards others often takes shape right here, in the midst of life.
What does Gaza remind us of?
Today, one of the heaviest tests of this responsibility is taking place in Gaza.
In Gaza, children and families are trying to hold on to life under the harsh conditions of war. The experiences of people who have been uprooted from their homes and are struggling to meet their most basic needs are a concern for all of us, no matter where we are in the world.
Our civilization has regarded standing by the oppressed, regardless of their identity, language, or the geography they live in, as a humanitarian duty. This understanding has been carried into every area of life through the foundations established over the centuries. Gaza reminds us of how vital this responsibility we have carried for centuries still is today.
Why is August 19 World Humanitarian Day?
Behind August 19 lies a painful memory. On August 19, 2003, in an attack on the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, 22 people, including the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello, lost their lives.
The United Nations General Assembly designated August 19 as World Humanitarian Day with its resolution 63/139 in 2008. Since then, this date has been commemorated not only to draw attention to the conditions faced by people affected by humanitarian crises but also as a day to remember the efforts of aid workers who strive to protect human life and reach those in need in the world's most challenging regions.
Today, humanitarian workers operating in different parts of the world are trying to reach people, sometimes risking their own lives amid wars and crises. August 19 also reminds us that the protection of not only those affected by humanitarian crises but also the aid workers trying to reach them is essential.
Goodness is a trust
World Humanitarian Day also reminds us of this question: What can we do to lighten the burden of another?
The greatness of goodness is not determined by numbers. What makes it valuable is that a person does not remain indifferent to the troubles of another.
As we accompany young girls in their education for TÜRGEV years, we also see our responsibility here: to facilitate the upbringing of young people who know their values and care about the troubles of humanity.
On the occasion of World Humanitarian Day on August 19, we hope for days when human dignity is protected and justice prevails in all geographies affected by wars, disasters, and humanitarian crises, especially Gaza.
We salute all aid workers and volunteers who strive to heal a wound around the world with respect.
Frequently Asked Questions About World Humanitarian Day
What is World Humanitarian Day?
World Humanitarian Day is an international day commemorated every year on August 19 to draw attention to the conditions faced by people affected by humanitarian crises and to remember the efforts of aid workers who strive to reach them.
When is World Humanitarian Day?
It is commemorated every year on August 19.
Why is August 19 World Humanitarian Day?
On August 19, 2003, in an attack on the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, 22 humanitarian workers, including the UN's Special Representative for Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello, lost their lives. The United Nations General Assembly designated August 19 as World Humanitarian Day in 2008.
Why is World Humanitarian Day important?
It is important for keeping millions of people affected by humanitarian crises in the spotlight and for reminding us of the efforts of aid workers operating under difficult conditions.
What is humanitarian aid?
It encompasses all efforts aimed at ensuring that people whose lives have been disrupted by war, disaster, or migration can meet their basic needs and that human life and dignity are protected.
