World Humanitarian Day
- April Dykes
- 8月19日
- 読了時間: 9分
Humanitarian efforts. Humanitarian intervention. In some capacity, we’ve heard the word ‘humanitarian’, especially in times of conflict or disaster. It’s common for people to become desensitized when they’re constantly exposed to something. Well, allow me to break you out of that fog as I reintroduce you to the thing that resides within us all: humanity.
Humanity is “compassionate, sympathetic, or generous behavior or disposition: the quality or state of being humane” (Merriam-Webster). In a world that can sometimes view humanity as a weakness instead of the strength it is, many people lose touch with their humanity, creating situations where humanitarian aid becomes necessary.
Today, as we celebrate World Humanitarian Day, let's reflect on the history that has made the humanitarian efforts we know today possible and the brave individuals who risk their lives every day as humanitarian aid workers.
Humanity at its core
“Humanitarian aid is a form of assistance designed to save lives and alleviate suffering during and after crises, such as floods, famine, or conflicts. Aid is essential for addressing the immediate needs of affected populations and laying the groundwork for long-term recovery and development” (International Rescue Committee). While the concept of humanitarianism has been around for a long time, the concept as we know it didn’t come about until the 19th century.
Before Henry Dunant and the Geneva Convention, war and prisoners of war were more or less seen as casualties of war, and their treatment didn’t matter much in the grand scheme. However, with nudges from Dunant and like-minded individuals, the Geneva Convention of 1863 and its protocols laid the groundwork for humanity to find its way to the battlefield and led to the creation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The original proposal for creating national relief societies to help military medical services was Dunant’s, which led to the Geneva Convention. Those conventions made armies responsible for wounded soldiers, regardless of whether they were comrades or enemies, and they introduced the symbol that we know today, a red cross on a white background.
The Geneva Conventions
The Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded and Sick in Armed Forces in the Field (1864)
The Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded, Sick, and Shipwrecked Members of Armed Forces at Sea (1949)
The Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War (1929, revised in 1949)
The Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War (1949)
Additional Protocols
Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and relating to the Protection of Victims of International Armed Conflicts
Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and relating to the Protection of Victims of Non-International Armed Conflicts (Protocol II)
The Geneva Conventions and the 1977 protocols laid the foundation for international
humanitarian law.
International humanitarian law
“International humanitarian law is a set of rules which seek, for humanitarian reasons, to limit the effects of armed conflict. It protects persons who are not or are no longer participating in the hostilities and restricts the means and methods of warfare. International humanitarian law is also known as the law of war or the law of armed conflict” (ICRC). By this law's definition, those ‘who are not or are no longer participating in the hostilities’ are prisoners of war, the wounded, civilians, medics, as well as aid workers, also known as humanitarian aid workers.
Humanitarian aid workers follow 4 principles as they deliver “life-saving assistance to those in need, without any adverse distinction” (European Commission):
Humanity
Human suffering must be addressed wherever it is found
Neutrality
Humanitarian aid must not favor any side during any conflict or dispute
Impartiality
Humanitarian aid must be provided based on need, without discrimination
Independence
Humanitarian objectives will remain separate from political, economic, military, or other objectives
While following these objectives, humanitarian aid workers often work in dangerous situations and are even attacked, as many are choosing to ignore the international humanitarian law. Much like firefighters and police officers, aid workers risk their lives every day they step out to save someone else’s life. It was an attack on aid workers and UN service workers that led to the creation of World Humanitarian Day.
The History of World Humanitarian Day
In 2003, with the Baghdad War causing casualties, wounds, and displacement, the need for humanitarian aid brought the UN service workers and NGO workers into the country. With hospitals and offices set up at the Canal Hotel, the headquarters for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI), Iraqi citizens were able to enter and interact with the personnel who were there to assist them.
Unfortunately, not everyone welcomed them or the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Iraq, Sérgio Vieira de Mello. In a targeted attack against Vieira de Mello due to his support in helping East Timor become an independent state, a suicide bomber parked a car under his office and set off a devastating explosion that claimed the lives of 22 aid workers and staff.
This attack shocked the world not only due to the loss of life but also the fact that the humanitarian office and the UN diplomat were its targets. The UN is an impartial body, and the aid was given without discrimination. However, it faces opposition from those who view them as traitors or as an interference with what they believe to be the right way. As a result of this attack and another bombing this same year, the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) was created. This department was created to ensure the safety of UN personnel and aid workers while they are on humanitarian missions.
In 2008, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution A/63/139 on "Strengthening of the Coordination of Emergency Assistance of the United Nations". This resolution designated the anniversary of the Canal Hotel attack as World Humanitarian Day. “Decides to designate 19 August as World Humanitarian Day in order to contribute to increasing public awareness about humanitarian assistance activities worldwide and the importance of international cooperation in this regard, as well as to honour all humanitarian and United Nations and associated personnel who have worked in the promotion of the humanitarian cause and those who have lost their lives in the cause of duty, and invites all Member States and the entities of the United Nations system, within existing resources, as well as other international organizations and non-governmental organizations, to observe it annually in an appropriate manner” (United Nations).
Every year, a memorial service is held at the UN Human Rights’ headquarters in Geneva, where family members and colleagues of the departed gather to honor their memory. There is also a remembrance ceremony held annually at UN Headquarters in New York and in Baghdad.
Since its creation, World Humanitarian Day has had a theme. “Each year, the day adopts a specific theme to unite humanitarian partners in advocating for the protection, dignity, and well-being of people in crisis, as well as the safety of aid workers” (Alliance 2015). This year’s theme, “Strengthening Global Solidarity and Empowering Local Communities,” highlights the importance of working with communities as active participants and leaders of their futures.
Humanitarian Work in Japan
Humanitarian work isn't only about helping those suffering from war, but also about helping people facing suffering due to poverty, sickness, and natural disasters. Japan assists with domestic and international humanitarian work. This work includes supporting the UN with monetary and personnel support, like humanitarian aid workers. “Humanitarian assistance is generally defined as aid designed to save lives, alleviate suffering, and maintain and protect human dignity based on humanitarianism. Its ultimate goal is to protect the lives, dignity, and safety of the most vulnerable – including refugees, internally-displaced persons (IDPs,) and disaster victims – and support them so that they will be able to stand on their own feet again. The Government of Japan considers humanitarian assistance as not only an emergency response measure but also to include rescue operations, recovery and reconstruction assistance, as well as disaster risk reduction” (Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
In addition to Japan’s Humanitarian Aid policies and aid, here are 3 organizations that focus on humanitarian aid:
Association for Aid and Relief Japan (AAR Japan)
AAR Japan is an international NGO founded in 1979 that provides global humanitarian aid, guided by the principles of neutrality and impartiality.
Mission “Established with the spirit of reciprocity and goodwill, AAR Japan provides those affected by hardships such as conflicts, natural disasters, and impoverishment the assistance they need, and makes tomorrow better than today for everyone. In doing so, with support from across the world and Japan, we hope to demonstrate that each individual has an important role to play in the world’s peace and stability. AAR Japan will work to realize a global society where the vulnerable are not left behind, and where the minority would not face social exclusion” (AAR Japan).
AAR Japan has 6 areas of assistance and is active in 15 countries in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Japan.
Refugee assistance
Mine action
Disability and Development
Disaster relief
Fighting infections/WASH
Advocacy /Awareness Raising
You can support AAR Japan through monetary donations on their official website here.
Human Rights Now Japan (HRN)
“Human Rights Now (HRN) is an international human rights NGO based in Tokyo, Japan, with UN special consultative status. HRN was established in 2006 by a group of human rights professionals, such as lawyers, scholars, and journalists, as the first international human rights NGO based in Japan. With over 700 members comprised of various human rights specialists, HRN works for the promotion and protection of human rights for people in the world, with a special focus on Asia” (HRN). Since gaining UN special consultative status in 2012, HRN has been actively engaged in the UN decision-making process to protect and promote human rights.
Mission
Contribute to the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide, with a special focus on Asian countries;
Contribute to the development of international human rights standards and norms through the UN and other international institutions;
Promote the incorporation of international human rights standards within the domestic framework of Japan.
In particular, we seek to make a concerted effort to improve the human rights situation in the Asian region. We spare no effort in making a positive difference by highlighting the human rights situation and enabling victims of rights violations to have their voices heard, and we welcome close cooperation with international and grassroots NGOs around the world to achieve these goals.
Methodology
Our approach to human rights work consists primarily of conducting:
1) fact-finding investigations
2) advocacy and campaigns
3) empowerment through education
OUR KEY FOCUS AREAS INCLUDE:
Accountability for gross human rights violations
Armed Conflict
Business and Human Rights
Children’s Rights
Human Rights Defenders/Democratic Space
Economic Social Cultural Rights
Empowerment
Women’s rights
Criminal justice, arbitrary detention and torture
Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons
Strengthening human rights mechanisms
You can support Human Rights Now through donating, volunteering, becoming a member, interning, or joining a fellowship.
“Good Neighbors is an international humanitarian and development organization founded in 1991. For over three decades, we have responded to the call of the most marginalized and vulnerable people beyond ethnicity, religion, belief, and nationality. We are dedicated to protecting their rights and fostering self-reliance. In pursuit of lasting impact, Good Neighbors seeks to implement a community-inclusive and holistic strategy in our operations. Engaging with over 200 communities around the globe, we are empowering people and transforming communities through social and economic development initiatives.
Good Neighbors supports suffering neighbors so that they achieve self-reliance and rebuild hope. “We support our neighbors who suffer from hunger, disasters, and oppression. We pay particular attention to those who are socio-economically marginalized, discriminated, and socially excluded due to their gender, ethnicity, religion, class, language, and other social status” (Good Neighbors Japan)
Areas of focus
Education
Health, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene
Food Security and Nutrition
Child Rights and Protection
Economic Empowerment
Inclusive Communities
Sustainable Environments
Humanitarian Assistance
Our Operational Principles
Child Rights Protection: We plan and implement projects that ensure the thorough protection of children’s rights based on a firm understanding of human dignity, with the principle of faithfully fulfilling the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Network: We leverage the human and material resources of the regions where its projects are implemented. We actively engage volunteers, partners, and local committees to activate and sustain the projects through organizational structures.
Advocacy: We conduct advocacy activities such as campaigns, government engagements, and seminars to raise awareness about the necessity of its projects and improve public understanding regarding civil society education.
You can support Good Neighbors Japan by donating, sponsoring a child in Japan or abroad, donating items, or volunteering. You can find more details here.
Despite the risks, year after year, brave individuals continue to accept assignments and strive to make the world a better place through unbiased aid and support. Today, we honor the lives of the humanitarian aid workers who have lost their lives, and every day we honor the aid workers who are currently in the field.
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