On World Humanitarian Day, we honor the humanitarian workers who have sacrificed so much to protect and help the world’s most vulnerable populations. We commend the courage and compassion of those who put the welfare of others ahead of their own. We are grateful for humanitarian aid around the world, which continues to work in difficult conditions, often putting their lives at great risk.
For the most vulnerable people in the world, the effects of humanitarian crises have been compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, climate crises, civil unrest and war. Humanitarians have secured access to health care and addressed the consequences of hunger, gender-based violence, mental health problems and other challenges that disproportionately affect displaced and marginalized communities. Humanitarian workers are the lifebuoys of hope, often in the most dangerous of circumstances, and the world needs them now more than ever.
Unfortunately, global humanitarian crises are escalating. Conflicts and natural disasters have forced historic numbers of people to flee their homes. Humanitarian workers have been victims of violence or killed, even when providing life-saving aid. Their job is dangerous – and necessary.
The United States is the world’s largest humanitarian donor. Last year alone, thanks to the generosity of Americans, we donated nearly $ 13 billion to security services, food, shelter, healthcare, education, safe drinking water, and sanitation for those in need. This aid has helped tens of millions of people affected by the crisis around the world.
The United States is committed to dealing with humanitarian crises through coordinated international responses. We encourage other nations to contribute to meeting global humanitarian needs. We call for immediate, safe and unfettered access by humanitarian actors to vulnerable groups of the population, including across conflict borders, so that they can freely deliver aid and services.
The United States will continue to support the important work that humanitarians do around the world every day. We proudly appreciate the dedicated humanitarian workers.
