World Humanitarian Day 2022: History, theme, significance, and quotes to share on August 19

August 19 is observed as World Humanitarian Day around the world. The day is celebrated to honour individuals who indulge in humanitarian work. It is also marked to celebrate the contribution of humanitarian volunteers who work relentessly work for a cause. On this day, volunteers who have died or injured themselves while at work are also paid tributes.

According to UN estimates, 274 million people will need humanitarian assistance and protection in 2022. This is a significant increase from 2021, when 235 million received humanitarian assistance. The Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) of the UN aims to help 183 million people in 63 nations this year.

History of World Humanitarian Day
22 relief workers died in Baghdad's Canal Hotel bomb explosion on August 19, 2003.UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello, also died in the attack. Five years later, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution to recognise August 19 as World Humanitarian Day to commemorate those who died in the bombing.


Theme of World Humanitarian Day
This year, the theme for World Humanitarian Day 2022 is 'It takes a village'.

Significance of World Humanitarian Day
The day serves as the reminder of sacrifices made by people to humanitarian causes and needs. This year, the day aims to draws attention to selfless service of tens of thousands of volunteers who give immediate medical care, food, shelter, and protection to people during crises.

Quotes for World Humanitarian Day

• “Don’t look for big things, just do small things with great love. The smaller the thing, the greater must be our love.” - Mahatma Gandhi
• “If you can’t feed a hundred people, feed just one.” - Mother Teresa
• “It is in your hands, to make a better world for all who live in it.” - Nelson Mandela
• “It is an honour to appear on the side of the afflicted.” - Elizabeth Fry
• “There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right.” - Martin Luther King Jr.