HE Special Envoy of the Arab League Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Sheikha Hessa bint Khalifa bin Ahmed Al-Thani called for honoring all workers of the humanitarian field around the world and supporting them to promote unity among cultures, nationalities, and religions to create a more inclusive and sympathetic world that values fundamental dignity for all human beings and build a better future for humanity, characterized by compassion, solidarity, and resilience.
Her Excellency stressed that humanitarian work knows no geographical or political boundaries; does not recognize distinctions between cultures, nationalities, religions, and sects; and does not see differences in color and race.
In her remarks marking World Humanitarian Day, which falls on Aug. 19 each year, Her Excellency said that humanitarian work is based on the sanctity of human life, its intrinsic value, the universal desire, the endless commitment to alleviate human suffering, and to provide comfort and safety, and heal physical, spiritual, and psychological wounds.
Her Excellency added that World Humanitarian Day is an annual event celebrated to honor the efforts of humanitarian workers around the world to promote the idea that people of all cultures, nationalities, and religions can unite as an active force in the service of humanity, reminding us of the need to protect and assist those affected by conflicts, disasters, and crises, with a focus on the collective responsibility we share as global citizens.
Her Excellency emphasized that humanitarian workers, driven by their passion and dedication, work tirelessly to alleviate suffering, provide basic services, and restore hope to communities and individuals facing difficulties, bearing in mind that humanitarian work transcends cultural, national, and religious borders, and unites individuals in their noble quest to serve humanity.
Her Excellency added that since the tragic attack that took place in Baghdad on Aug. 19, 2003, when a terrorist attack resulted in the death of 22 humanitarian workers, including the UN Special Envoy Sergio Vieira de Mello, this day has become an occasion to honor, not just those heroes who lost their lives, but also those many humanitarian workers who continue to risk their lives to help others, as this day is considered a global platform to raise awareness of the importance of humanitarian work and call for the appreciation and protection of those involved in humanitarian work.
Her Excellency pointed out that the effectiveness of humanitarian work depends on the ability of workers to enhance cooperation and understanding between individuals of various cultures, nationalities, and religions by embracing these differences, as workers in this field gain a deeper understanding of the challenges facing different societies, which enables them to respond with sensitivity and cultural understanding and deal in different proper ways with humanitarian priorities.
Her Excellency added that despite humanitarian workers’ cultural, religious, and ethnic differences, the common denominator that strengthens their unity is their affiliation and belief in the principles of humanitarian work, which are humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence. This diversity enhances their ability to mobilize efforts, build trust, and interact with those who need help most.
HE Sheikha Hessa bint Khalifa bin Ahmed Al-Thani indicated that overcoming cultural barriers and the diversity of cultures poses challenges in humanitarian work but also provides opportunities for growth and learning. Humanitarian workers must deal with various cultural values, beliefs, and practices while providing assistance and support by acknowledging and respecting those differences, they can forge meaningful relationships and foster trust within communities.
Her Excellency stressed that humanitarian workers often put their lives at risk to save, evacuate, or protect strangers who have no connection with them, but humanity was their motivation and catalyst. On World Humanitarian Day, we must remember those who paid the price with their lives, bodies, or mental and psychological health.
Her Excellency considered World Humanitarian Day a reminder that fieldwork requires a collective effort, cooperation, commitment, the ability to give, and confidence in oneself and others. It also requires dealing with people who have been subjected to bombardment and displacement, torture and abuse, and deprivation of shelter, family, loved ones, and homeland, and the need to respond in appropriate ways to their urgent needs and emergencies and meet their need for psychological comfort and reassurance with understanding and calmness, and give them hope with sincerity and honesty.
Source: Qatar News Agency