World Humanitarian Day 2024
Every year, thousands of people across the world make huge sacrifices to provide life-saving support and protection to those most in need. World Humanitarian Day was established to recognize their amazing contributions.
In 2024, almost 300 million people will need humanitarian assistance and protection. This is largely driven by conflict, economic factors, and the global climate emergency. With these figures climbing year on year, it’s now more important than ever we shine a spotlight on the efforts of humanitarian workers.
In this article, we explore what World Humanitarian Day is, how you can get involved, and why GoFundMe is the perfect companion when raising funds for worthwhile causes.
What is World Humanitarian Day?
World Humanitarian Day is commemorated every year on 19 August, paying tribute to humanitarian workers who have been killed or injured at work, and honouring those who continue to provide life-saving support. The day recognizes the importance, effectiveness, and positive impact of humanitarian work.
This day was designated in memory of the bomb attack on the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq, on 19 August 2003 – killing 22 people. Five years after the attack, the campaign was established by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and humanitarian partners.
Each year, World Humanitarian Day focuses on a different theme, bringing together humanitarian partners from across the world. The 2023 theme was titled #NoMatterWhat, marking the twentieth anniversary of the attack on the UN headquarters in Baghdad by showing an unwavering commitment to deliver for the communities the UN serves, no matter who and no matter where.
About the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is part of the United Nations Secretariat responsible for bringing together humanitarian actors to ensure a coherent response to emergencies. It also creates a framework within which each actor can contribute to the overall response effort.
They respond quickly and provide support to those in need, mobilizing aid, sharing information, supporting humanitarian efforts, and advocating for crisis-affected communities.
How to get involved with World Humanitarian Day
If you feel passionate about recognizing and supporting humanitarian workers worldwide, then there are several meaningful ways to get involved.
Spread awareness
Whether you rely on your social media networks or help to spread the word in person, raising awareness about World Humanitarian Day and the vital role of humanitarian workers is a great place to start.
The OCHA provides campaign materials to help you spread awareness of the event and the humanitarian causes behind it, meaning you can share content online in just a few clicks.
Keep an eye on the World Humanitarian Day website for more information.
Fundraise
This annual event is an excellent opportunity to create a fundraiser for a humanitarian charity, enabling workers and organizations on the front lines to provide emergency services and immediate relief.
In 2022, fundraisers helped to contribute $1.6 billion in cash-based transfers to vulnerable people and communities across 67 countries.
The easiest and most secure way of setting up a fundraiser is through GoFundMe. To do so, simply follow these simple steps:
- Create your fundraiser: Click the ‘Start a GoFundMe’ button, add your fundraiser details, and set your goal. It’s as easy as 1,2,3!
- Share your fundraiser: Once it’s live, share your fundraiser link with friends and family to start gaining momentum and spread awareness.
- Securely receive your funds: Add your bank information, or invite your intended recipient to add theirs, to securely start receiving funds for your charity of choice.
Why not set your fundraiser apart with our unique fundraising ideas?
Donate
Another way of helping those in need is to donate to a charity fundraiser. On GoFundMe, you can browse emergency fundraisers around the world, donating to a cause that resonates with you.
Alternatively, you can donate to a humanitarian charity of your choosing to mark World Humanitarian Day.
Humanitarian fundraising on GoFundMe
Thousands of people have used GoFundMe to fundraise for a humanitarian cause, receiving life-saving donations that help vulnerable people globally.
Whether it’s for families living in a war-torn country or a community that’s been exposed to extreme climatic conditions, GoFundMe has you covered.
Help Ukraine Emergency Appeal
An international appeal was set up in the UK to fund immediate emergency and ongoing needs in Ukraine. Millions of people in Ukraine are facing a humanitarian crisis and are in desperate need of medical supplies and relief as they face an ongoing conflict with Russia.
The Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain used GoFundMe to raise funds for accredited and registered Ukrainian charities to provide medicines, food, and critical services.
Global Urgent Gaza Appeal
Mansour Shouman, a Palestinian Canadian, initiated a fundraiser in collaboration with international and local charities to allocate 100% of contributions to vital needs like food, water, clothing, blankets, medications, diapers, tents, orphan sponsorship, well restoration, and feminine care in Gaza.
Any remaining funds from the fundraiser will be designated for the reconstruction of Gaza once the ongoing war ceases.
Emergency Fund for Sudanese Family
Seme Obied started a fundraiser on behalf of his family members in Sudan, who have faced the hardships of the Sudan war and recently decided to relocate for the safety of their loved ones. All contributions go towards helping them to rebuild and recover, as they embark on their new lives and try to overcome financial challenges.
His family is seeking assistance to cover basic necessities, relocation expenses, rent, food, and travel costs.
Start a humanitarian fundraiser
If there is a cause close to your heart and you feel inspired to make a difference, then you can start a humanitarian fundraiser with GoFundMe in just a few clicks. We are here to help you raise money seamlessly, so you can honour World Humanitarian Day by supporting those in need.
We are proudly the world’s leading online crowdfunding platform, allowing you to raise money or make a donation with peace of mind. Start your fundraising journey today!