world humanitarian day

International humanitarian law flouted as health and aid workers are targeted in conflicts around the world

On 30 March 2025, a rescue operation in Tal Al Sultan, Rafah, Gaza, recovered the bodies of 15 humanitarian workers from the Palestine Red Crescent Society, the Palestinian Civil Defense and the United Nations. The available information indicates that they were killed by Israeli forces on 23 March and buried under the sand.

18 August 2025

Three years after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, meet the midwife who stayed, delivered – and saved lives

Midwife Mariza Ahmadi assisted Ms. Sughra to safely deliver her son, Farhad, at the Ahangaran family health house in the remote Bamyan Province, Afghanistan. © UNFPA Afghanistan

21 August 2024

Health and humanitarian workers face record violence: Here are 5 reasons the world must take action

The Al-Shifa Hospital in northern Gaza was completely destroyed following a bombing raid by Israeli forces. © UNFPA/Dominic Allen

18 August 2024

With humanitarian needs at record levels, UNFPA aid workers around the world make heroic efforts to support women, girls and those with disabilities, often amidst chaos and danger.

On World Humanitarian Day, watch UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador Ashley Judd’s call for a worldwide end to violence against humanitarian workers and women and girls.

“Sometimes she was desperate”: How survivors of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are healing with the help of UNFPA’s frontline workers

Anny* and her daughter were raped at gunpoint while collecting firewood near the Bulengo camp for internally displaced people, where they are taking shelter from the conflict in North Kivu province, Democratic Republic of the Congo. © UNFPA DRC/Junior Mayindu

18 August 2023

World Humanitarian Day

International humanitarian law flouted as health and aid workers are targeted in conflicts around the world

Three years after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, meet the midwife who stayed, delivered – and saved lives

Open Letter to the Member States of the UN General Assembly, on behalf of the IASC Principals

Health and humanitarian workers face record violence: Here are 5 reasons the world must take action

World Humanitarian Day 2024