Humanitarian staff, whose only mission is to save lives, now operate in increasingly dangerous and underfunded environments. Violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) are widespread, and every red line crossed is met with impunity and political silence. Yet, despite the risks, humanitarian workers continue to show up.
The erosion of humanitarian space
The erosion of humanitarian space is now one of the most urgent threats to global humanitarian response. The politicisation of aid, counter-terrorism laws, and disinformation campaigns have created new barriers to accessing those most in need, while increasing risks for humanitarians, particularly local actors.
Attacks on personnel, convoys, and facilities are forcing organisations to suspend operations, cutting off life-saving assistance for millions. Those responsible for these violations must be held accountable. The world must demand an end to impunity and ensure protection for those who protect humanity.
At the same time, funding for humanitarian work is in crisis. With a record $37 billion funding gap in 2025, humanitarian responses are overstretched and under-resourced. We urgently need funding that is flexible, politically unconditional, and directly accessible to both international and local humanitarian organisations. This funding must also support improved security risk management, especially for local responders who are often the first to act and face the greatest dangers.
What we want to see
Without urgent action, the promise of protection, for both humanitarians and the communities they serve, will continue to be broken. This World Humanitarian Day, this is what we’re calling for:
- Protect those who protect humanity. Demand global accountability.
- End impunity. Enforce International Humanitarian Law with no exceptions.
- Fund humanitarian action fully, fairly, and without political conditions.
World Humanitarian Day is held each year on 19 August. It is a day to honour the safety and dignity of people impacted by crises, and for the safety and security of aid workers. In 2025, the theme for World Humanitarian Day is #ActForHumanity.