Humanitarianism is a value-based attitude that urges individuals and organizations to promote to work selflessly for human welfare. Often humanitarian aid is is needed urgently which should be 'based on need, with the goal of saving human lives, relieving human suffering and maintaining human dignity during and after a crisis' such as natural disasters, armed conflicts, riots, and pandemic outbreaks.
It needs to be understood that humanism a philosophical principle that emphasizes value-based self-development while humanitarianism is the thoughtful action that that promotes selfless and bias-free human welfare among individuals, groups and organizations.
World Humanitarian Day, dedicated to the workers killed and injured in the course of their work such aid and health workers, was observed on August 19.
"This year World Humanitarian Day comes as the world continues to fight the COVID-19 pandemic over recent months. Aid workers are overcoming unprecedented access hurdles to assist people in humanitarian crises in 54 countries, as well as in a further nine countries which have been catapulted into humanitarian need by the COVID-19 pandemic," stated the UN website urging the world community to pay special tribute to the real-life heroes who have committed their lives to helping others in the most extreme circumstances throughout the world.
According to the UN, this year, COVID-19 has been the biggest challenge to humanitarian operations around the world for Governments, civil society and local NGOs being the frontline of the response.
The UN has recommended the following strategic priorities of the Global Humanitarian Response Plan to COVID-19.
Contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and decrease morbidity and mortality
Decrease the deterioration of human assets and rights, social cohesion and livelihoods
Protect, assist and advocate for refugees, internally displaced people, migrants and host communities particularly vulnerable to the pandemic
Some messages:
The loss of jobs, education, food, water and safety is pushing millions more to the brink. Movement restrictions to slow the spread of the virus have meant that communities, civil society and local organizations – as so often before – are the very first responders...Today, join me in renewing our appreciation and support for the brave humanitarians, health workers and first responders who show solidarity and humanity in this time of unprecedented need. ~António Guterres, UN Chief
..women, young girls and children remain the most vulnerable groups, and must always be prioritized in any development assistance. We must use this occasion to reflect on how to best work together to save the world from actions that put all of us at the precipice of devastation. Today, we shine a light on all humanitarians who continue to help vulnerable populations in the most extreme circumstances. Thank you again for your tireless efforts and your humanity.You are our real-life heroes! ~Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, UN General Assembly President
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