Concern marks World Humanitarian Day 2014

A woman queues for humanitarian assistance in Nsanje, Malawi. Photo: Alexia Webster/PANOS

News19 August 2014Bernadette Murphy

Today is World Humanitarian Day, a day to remember humanitarian workers we have lost and to celebrate aid workers who endure difficult conditions all over the world.

The sheer scale and volume of humanitarian crises that have arisen in the past year alone is alarming and Concern Worldwide is responding in countries where the need is greatest.

These include South Sudan, Syria and Lebanon.

Now, more than ever, is an exceptionally dangerous time to be an aid worker.

On this World Humanitarian Day, our CEO, Dominic MacSorley, paid tribute to the “dedication and commitment” of all aid workers who continue to labour in “difficult places, which the media continues to neglect.”

In the news

Dominic MacSorley: "South Sudan on the brink of famine"

Anne-Marie McCarthy: "There are so many emergencies to respond to, there aren't enough people"

Aeri Wittenbourgh: "Celebrating Concern's humanitarian workers"

A young Syrian refugee stands between the tents at an informal settlement in the north of Lebanon. Photo: Dalia Khamissy / Concern Worldwide.

Difficult places

We are committed to alleviating suffering and preventing the escalation of violence and displacement in countries being torn apart by conflict.

In South Sudan, more than one million people have been displaced from their homes by violence and conflict
Almost three million people have fled Syria to escape the civil war that rages in the country
Lebanon has taken in over one million Syrian refugees, crippling its infrastructure system and stretching resources
Central African Republic has erupted into violence, forcing almost a quarter of the population to flee their homes

In crisis

Since the mid-December outbreak of violence, Concern and other charities have been working to draw attention to the terrifying acceleration of this crisis.

There are now almost four million people in need of assistance and it is estimated that 50,000 children are at risk of dying from malnutrition by the end of the year.

A poor harvest is compounding the situation and the terrifying prospect of famine is looming.

According to the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki Moon, half of South Sudan’s 12 million people will be displaced internally, living as refugees abroad, starving or dead by the end of 2014. We are doing everything in our power to avert this.