The World Humanitarian Day is an annual occasion marked by the UN general Assembly to commemorate the 2003 bomb attack on the UN headquarters in Baghdad that had killed 22 staff members in honour of those who face danger in order to provide humanitarian aid.
This year, the main theme of the UN campaign is ‘The World Needs More Humanitarian Heroes’, in light of the current humanitarian crisis such as those in Syria, South Sudan, Central African Republic, Iraq, Gaza, Yemen and Somalia, as well as the huge and dire humanitarian needs.
Croatia’s official humanitarian assistance policy is guided by the principles and practice of good humanitarian donorship and the European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid. Apart from promoting fundamental humanitarian principles, protecting the most vulnerable groups, notably women, children and refugees, as well as swift responses to crises caused by natural or human factors, Croatia’s long-term efforts are directed at prolonged crises as well as resilience-building programmes in post-conflict and unstable areas. The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs plans, coordinates and implements the government’s policy of humanitarian aid to developing countries, while its humanitarian activities are focused on implementing the following three programmes: response to emergencies (notably women, children and refugees), response to prolonged crises, as well as reducing the risk of disasters, preparedness and resilience building.
Croatia joins the marking of the World Humanitarian Day by promoting humanitarian and solidarity values. We commemorate all the fallen humanitarian workers around the world and thank those who daily contribute to the promotion of humanitarian values.
Statement by EU Commissioner Kristalina Georgieva on World Humanitarian Day