"This year’s World Humanitarian Day marks the 20th anniversary of the deadly attack on the Canal Hotel in Baghdad. On that dark day, we lost 22 colleagues, including Special Representative Sergio Vieira de Mello. That tragedy marked a change in the way humanitarians operate." — António Guterres

One in 22 people around the world are now in need of humanitarian assistance – that’s a staggering 362 million people, which is a record high.More than 110 million people have been forced to leave their homes; and more than 260 million people are facing acute food insecurity – with some at risk of famine. Conflicts, climate change and financial turmoil are increasing the need for aid. 

“The one-year mark of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine stands as a grim milestone — for the people of Ukraine and for the international community. That invasion is an affront to our collective conscience. It is a violation of the United Nations Charter and international law. It is having dramatic humanitarian and human rights consequences. And the impact is being felt far beyond Ukraine.” — António Guterres

Since the earliest times, humanity has been on the move. Some people move in search of work or economic opportunities, to join family, or to study. Others move to escape conflict, persecution, terrorism, or human rights violations. Still others move in response to the adverse effects of climate change, natural disasters, or other environmental factors.

The Secretary-General's words of hope at the progress in protecting children's rights in armed conflict are spoken against the backdrop of renewed and continuous international conflicts around the world. 

Afghanistan’s healthcare system is facing severe shortages of medical supplies, fuel, food, and money to pay staff.