Statement on World Humanitarian Day

August 19, 2022 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, today issued the following statement:

“It is with gratitude and deep respect that we mark World Humanitarian Day, a day that reminds each of us of the essential role of aid workers and other heroes delivering life-saving humanitarian assistance to the more than 302 million crisis-affected people around the world.

“We are seeing record levels of humanitarian need, driven by conflicts and the climate crisis and exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of people forcibly displaced is now higher than ever. 

“Hunger grows unabated, with up to 345 million people facing acute food insecurity and 450 million more on the brink of famine. The conflict in Ukraine has further exacerbated global hunger, which was already at record levels before the unjustifiable and illegal invasion by Russian forces. 

“In many humanitarian crises, there is a heightened risk of attacks and violence affecting the safety and security of humanitarian workers and prolonging the suffering of vulnerable populations in need of life-saving humanitarian assistance.

“Despite these challenges, the humanitarian system has responded to the needs of millions across the world, including women and girls and people living in crisis situations in Yemen, Ukraine and Afghanistan.

“The theme of World Humanitarian Day 2022, It Takes a Village, reminds us that collective and coordinated efforts are the cornerstone of an effective humanitarian response. This is why Canada is proud to work through its experienced humanitarian partners, including the United Nations, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and other non-governmental organizations, to deliver essential food, medicine, health care and other assistance.  

“We stand up for the safety and security of humanitarian workers and for principled humanitarian action that enables our partners to safely reach those who are most in need. This includes women and girls, who bear the brunt of conflict and crisis. Women also represent a large majority of humanitarian workers and play a central role in the survival and resilience of families and communities. We firmly support humanitarian action that empowers women and girls and defends their rights.

“To all humanitarian workers, Canada says thank you for your sacrifices and service to communities all around the world.”