Act For Humanity: We must increase efforts to protect civilians and aid workers amid the war in Ukraine [EN/UK]

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Today, on World Humanitarian Day, we would like to pay our respect to humanitarian workers who help people during the war and remind world leaders about the critical importance of respecting international humanitarian law (IHL), which requires the protection of civilians, including humanitarian workers.

The war continues to disrupt and destroy lives and exacerbate humanitarian needs across Ukraine. According to the 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for Ukraine, 14.6 million people, including 3.2 million children, urgently require humanitarian assistance.

Aid workers are at the forefront of the response, dedicating their lives to helping people in need despite the risks. Globally, 2023 was the deadliest year on record for humanitarian workers, and tragically, 2024 may even be worse. In Ukraine, since February 2022, at least 25 aid workers have been killed, and 66 have been injured.

Protecting civilians and aid workers must be a priority. IHL is clear: civilians must be protected. The deliberate targeting of civilians and civilian objects, including hospitals, schools and humanitarian facilities, is a serious violation of international law.

World leaders must not forget the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, they must not normalize the war, and they must increase efforts to ensure that civilians are protected, humanitarian aid is provided and, ultimately, a path to lasting peace is in place.

"Protecting aid workers and operations is not just our message this year; it is a demand every day", – highlighted Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine Matthias Schmale during today's discussion in Kyiv dedicated to World Humanitarian Day.

The humanitarian community in Ukraine organized a photo exhibition that portrays the war’s devastating impact on civilians and humanitarian workers operating near the front line.

The photo exhibition, which is at the Kyiv Architect’s House, 7, Hrinchenka Street, Kyiv, runs until 1 September and is also accessible online.

VISIT VIRTUAL EXHIBITION

WATCH THE VIDEO

WATCH EXPOSURE

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