Annual observance of World Humanitarian Day at the Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland.
World Humanitarian Day: August 19 On 19 August 2003, a bomb attack on the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq, killed 22 humanitarian aid workers, including the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello. Five years later, the General Assembly adopted a resolution designating 19 August as World Humanitarian Day (WHD). Since then, WHD has become OCHA's annual flagship campaign. Each year, WHD focuses on a theme, bringing together partners from across the humanitarian system to advocate for the survival, well-being and dignity of people affected by crises, and for the safety and security of aid workers. This year, we call for an end to the attacks on humanitarians and civilians and impunity under International Humanitarian Law. We urge those in power to #ActForHumanity. Speakers and programme Master of ceremony: Ms. Alessandra Vellucci, Director, United Nations Information Service at Geneva Wreath laying and candle lighting ceremony by the United Nations Laying of flowers by the survivors and families of the victims of the attack against the United Nations Offices in Baghdad of 19 August 2003, and other UN Offices Laying of flowers by the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Iraq to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva Remarks by Ms. Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General, United Nations Office at Geneva Minute of silence Remarks by Mr. Barham Salih, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Remarks by Ms. Awa Dabo, Deputy High Commissioner, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights Remarks by H.E. Mr. Saywan Barzani, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Iraq to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva Remarks by Ms. Shawbo Taher-Al-Talabani, survivor of the 19 August 2003 terrorist attack against the United Nations Mission in Baghdad Remarks by Ms. Laura Johnson, Executive Secretary, UNOG Staff Union Remarks by Ms. Gemma Connell, Officer-in-Charge, Humanitarian Sector Division, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Conclusion of the event (5pm)
