Blog posts address World Humanitarian Day

The following blog posts were published in recognition of World Humanitarian Day, which was observed on Sunday, August 19.

• Jennifer James, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's "Impatient Optimists" blog: "First launched in 2007 to honor the 22 people who were killed during an attack at the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad in 2003, World Humanitarian Day is celebrated every year on August 19 to honor and celebrate those who help people in need and dedicate their lives to provide food, shelter, security and health care to those who desperately need it," James, founder of Mom Bloggers for Social Good, writes. "This year the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Human Affairs (OCHA) set out to reach one billion people with the message of helping one another on World Humanitarian Day and every day of the year," she continues (8/17).
• Anne Richard, U.S. Department of State's "Dipnote" blog: "The United Nations created this day to honor those who have lost their lives in humanitarian service or serve in risky humanitarian endeavors," Richard, assistant secretary of state for population, refugees, and migration, writes, adding, "There is humanitarian need throughout the world, and so you will find these workers on nearly every continent saving lives, relieving suffering and striving to protect vulnerable people." She concludes, "This year, the theme is 'I was here' -- a simple motto that invites everyone to make a contribution -- big or small" (8/19).