In celebration of humanitarian workers’ gallant service in conflict

Every day, millions of civilians are subjected to crimes of war. Tomorrow, Saturday 19th August, marks the World Humanitarian Day themed: You’re not a target! This year humanitarian partners are reaffirming that civilians, who are also humanitarian workers caught in conflict are #NotATarget. Their efforts, willingness to save life and care in

Tomorrow, Saturday 19th August, marks the World Humanitarian Day themed: Not a target! This year humanitarian partners are reaffirming that civilians, who are also humanitarian workers caught in conflict are #NotATarget. Their efforts, willingness to save life and care in human crisis, must be celebrated.

Through a global online campaign featuring an innovative partnership, a clarion goes out, advocating for the most vulnerable in fragile states and contexts to be protected. It is allegiance to mankind’s call, which keeps humanitarian workers sane enough, to protect and empower those engulfed in situations, often not of their own making.  

As a clear emerging pattern during social, economic or political upheavals, women who are also mothers, children, medical and humanitarian workers, become instant soft targets. Rape, violence, murder, forced displacements, follow close by. It’s as appalling as it is unacceptable, that such trends are repeated, the world over! 

It is also on this precipice that demand for world leaders to do what is in their power, to uphold civilian and humanitarian worker protection, during conflict is being made. Notwithstanding, whether man-made or natural, collaboration for sake of educating publics on how increasing armed conflicts,

Notwithstanding, whether man-made or natural, collaboration for sake of educating publics on how increasing armed conflicts, hunger and similar vices, adversely affect a nation, is crucial.

As I write, perhaps most recently, googled sites by humanitarian workers, may be Kenya’s post-elections effects and Sierra Leone’s mudslide, with over 100 deaths reported in the latter. Workers for humanity bear DNA of care,

Workers for humanity bear DNA of care, concern and action to those adversely affected by war, terrorism, hunger or political turmoil – with reality of being equally vulnerable. 

In upholding International Humanitarian Law, key influencers and masses, must be activated to advocate for leaders to provide basic protections to every affected group, regardless of race, status or gender. 

The heart-wrenching personal stories of victims of violence and conflict are clear evidence that action is urgently needed.

In the 21st century, the globe must be seen to be an apex of freedom, where credible information is availed stakeholders, to benefit majority populace. Humanitarian workers, must receive continual rigorous training, as they inevitably get caught in some crossfires.

Around the world, conflict exerts a massive toll on people’s lives. Millions of civilians are forced to hide or run for their lives and in many places, including Syria, children are taken out of school and families displaced from their homes, devastation resulting! Leaders and influencers cannot be callous, watching communities torn apart, while little is done to alleviate suffering.

Millions of civilians are forced to hide or run for their lives and in many places, including Syria, children are taken out of school and families displaced from their homes, devastation resulting! Leaders and influencers cannot be callous, watching communities torn apart, while little is done to alleviate suffering. Mechanisms to protect targeted health and aid workers – who risk their lives to care for people affected by violence – must be discussed and affected.

While solutions are not always clear-cut and easy to navigate, leadership’s goodwill, is paramount. In

In Dr John Maxwell’s words, “Everything rises and falls with leadership, but knowing how to lead is only half the battle.” Humanitarian workers are as much required by civilians and nations to keep an economy stable. None can – with clear conscience – look aside as atrocities are meted out on innocent victims. Let us in unison, demand

Humanitarian workers are as much required by civilians and nations to keep an economy stable. None can – with clear conscience – look aside as atrocities are meted out on innocent victims. Let us in unison, demand a positive transformation of life’s principles, in a world where conflict is clearly inevitable.

About the author: Anne Mbotela is the Senior Communications and Media Officer at World Vision Kenya.