The same way “it takes a village to raise a child”, according to an African proverb, is the same way “it takes a village to support a person in humanitarian crisis”. Unfortunately though, 460 aid workers who gave themselves up for humanitarian interventions were attacked in 2021 (140 killed, 203 wounded and 117 kidnapped), with more than half 53% of those who died being staff of national NGOs.
However, it is important we do not get discouraged in providing aids and support to people in crisis. Everyone is endowed with an ability to help; from the teacher who gives a lifeline for children in crisis, to the driver delivering aid and hope, to the counselor healing mental scars from conflict and crises, to the shelter specialist providing more than just a roof, to the data analyst churning out better data to save lives, to the protection officer providing safety during emergencies, to the water specialist providing water for life and health, to the emergency responder ready to go when crisis erupts, to the advocate championing humanitarian action, to the fundraiser mobilizing resources for life-saving action, to the negotiator securing access to people in need, and to the health worker caring for the sick and alleviating pain and suffering.
Let us not become weary in doing good!
Happy World Humanitarian Day!
#worldhumanitarianday2022 #ittakesavillage
United Nations United Nations OCHA
