Every year on 19 August, World Humanitarian Day aims at highlighting the aid workers and civilians around the world whose lives have been at risk. This day has been established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2009 in honour of the 22 aid workers killed in the bombing attack in Baghdad in 2003, promoting the message that civilians and aid workers are #NotATarget.

This year, the U.N. will focus on the additional challenges that aid workers have to face, such as the Coronavirus crisis, despite which, aid workers around the world have continued to provide their help to those in need, being everyday #RealLifeHeroes. JOIN member organisations are delivering valuable humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable populations in many countries across the world. Click on the following links to consult the various programmes implemented by Johanniter International Assistance,St John International and the St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group.

On this particular day, our German member shine a spotlight on the #localheroes. Local organisations and local projects play indeed a crucial role in providing help. Johanniter International Assistance have reported on their local partners’ work here.