World Humanitarian Day
SLOVENIA, August 18 - This year’s World Humanitarian Day is focused on remembering humanitarian workers who have lost their lives and on calling for greater protection of healthcare workers and facilities, in response to the unacceptable number of attacks they have suffered. Ten years have passed since the adoption of UN Security Council resolution 2286 on the protection of the wounded and sick, and medical and humanitarian personnel in armed conflict, which condemns such attacks and calls for greater respect for international humanitarian law, accountability and reporting. So far this year, the World Health Organization has recorded 914 attacks on healthcare facilities, resulting in 911 deaths and 1,486 injured, with the highest numbers occurring in Ukraine, Lebanon, Palestine and Myanmar.
The work of humanitarian personnel is vital for more than 242 million people around the world who are in need of assistance. By supporting the work of international organisations and the activities of Slovenian implementing partners, Slovenia contributes to global efforts to save lives, alleviate suffering and preserve human dignity in situations of armed conflict, natural disaster and other humanitarian crises.
According to preliminary figures, Slovenia allocated more than 10.8 million euros of Official Development Assistance (ODA) for humanitarian and post-conflict assistance in 2025. This year, over 12.7 million euros has been earmarked for this purpose. Local and Slovenian humanitarian personnel, including demining teams, healthcare workers and technical staff, are involved in projects relating to psychosocial rehabilitation, emergency humanitarian responses and capacity-building. Through their selfless efforts, these individuals offer hope to affected communities during their most vulnerable times, reminding us of the importance of solidarity, humanity and cooperation.
Humanitarian personnel often carry out their work in the most challenging environments and conditions. Humanitarian operations are also increasingly hindered by restrictions and a rise in incidents targeting them. As the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs points out, attacks on humanitarian personnel affect not only the workers themselves, but also the delivery of essential aid, food, protection and healthcare. Local communities feel the consequences of these attacks most acutely, and the lives of the families and loved ones of humanitarian workers killed are changed forever.
In 2025, a total of 326 humanitarian workers were killed in 21 countries. By participating in the symbolic lowering of the UN flag to half-mast at the UN headquarters in New York, Slovenia is paying tribute to all humanitarian workers who have lost their lives. This ceremony, initiated by Australia, is being held for the first time this year. Slovenia has also acceded to the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, thereby committing to upholding international law and taking practical steps to protect humanitarian personnel. Furthermore, Slovenia supports the Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Commitment to International Humanitarian Law, led by the International Committee of the Red Cross.
On World Humanitarian Day, Slovenia honours all humanitarian and healthcare workers in crisis areas around the world, calls for their respect and protection, and joins the appeal for respect for international humanitarian law.
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