RAMALLAH- ActionAid Palestine (APP), a global federation working for a world free from poverty and injustice, celebrated today in Occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) the World Humanitarian Day which falls on 19th August each year under the slogan of “It takes a village” to express its appreciation to real heroes of humanitarian work.
AAP thanked all volunteers, workers, and experts in humanitarian work who have dedicated themselves to helping the Palestinian community and strengthening its steadfastness in times of crises and political emergencies resulting from the policies, practices, and military actions of the Israeli occupation against Palestinian civilians and during natural disasters and pandemics.
AAP also highlighted their contributions and inspiring experiences in the humanitarian field, on its websites and accounts on social media accounts.
“Humanitarian work in the Occupied Palestinian Territory has a particular importance due to the close relationship that links volunteers and humanitarian workers with groups of Palestinian society. This year’s World Humanitarian Day coincides with the escalation of the Israeli occupation’s violations of the human rights of the Palestinian people in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. These violations cause more victims among children, women, and the elderly, and deprive the Palestinian society of enjoying the human rights guaranteed under international humanitarian law. They also increase the number of displaced people and the occurrence of many economic, psychological, and social crises for those affected by these violations and increase the dependence of the Palestinians on humanitarian aid due to the Israeli policies of forced displacement, destruction of properties and livelihoods and illegal blockade imposed on Gaza. This reality requires more humanitarian work and the dedication of workers in this field to mitigate the impact of these crises on the affected people,” said APP in a statement.
Volunteers, humanitarian staff, and experts in oPt work to overcome unprecedented obstacles and challenges in reaching marginalized and vulnerable groups during humanitarian crises, added the statement.
This occasion is very important for AAP to highlight the role of all actors in humanitarian work, who play an important role in times of emergency and crises. Their humanitarian contribution does not only include providing first aid to the victims but is also based on raising the voice of people affected by the difficult humanitarian conditions in international, regional, and local forums to change humanitarian work programs to be more responsive to the needs of the Palestinian community and advocate for its rights, said AAP.
Countries of the world mark World Humanitarian Day on the 19th of August each year to pay tribute to humanitarian workers who have been killed or injured in the course of their work.
In 2009, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution designating 19 August as World Humanitarian Day (WHD).
Source: Palestine News & information Agency