Every year on 19 August the World Humanitarian Day honours and recognizes those who face danger and adversity to help others and those who have paid the highest price in doing so.  This year, at the initiative of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the United Nations want to add the voice of millions of internet users to the campaign asking them to use their favorite social media to spread and support the message of “People Helping People”.

The objective of the campaign is to involve 1 billion people by 19 August. Millions of people are already being reached through the campaign website and with only 2 more days to go, the support of everyone is needed to reach the target.

In his statement on the campaign, the UN Secretary-General said: “This year’s World Humanitarian Day presents an historic opportunity to bring together one billion people from around the world to advance a powerful and proactive idea: People Helping People. That is the best way to honour the many fallen aid workers we mourn today, and to celebrate the efforts of others who carry on their noble mission by rushing assistance to those who are suffering.”

Participating in the campaign is easy and it takes only two minutes. By registering one’s Twitter or Facebook account to the campaign’s social media platform, anyone can help spread the message and encourage friends, colleagues and family members to do the same.

UNITAR supports the campaign and shares its goals and principles. Each year, through its Operational Satellite Applications Programme UNOSAT, UNITAR helps deliver accurate and timely geospatial information and satellite analysis to humanitarian workers in dozens of emergency relief operations.

Photo: UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Valerie Amos. Each year millions of people depend on humanitarian aid operations coordinated by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. (Image courtesy of OCHA)