About World Humanitarian Day
World Humanitarian Day, on 19 August, honours aid workers and the people they serve in crises around the world. It was designated by the UN General Assembly in 2008 and marks the 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad.
World Humanitarian Day remembers the aid workers who have been hurt or killed while helping others, and honours everyone who works to bring relief to people affected by conflict, disaster and displacement. The date marks the 19 August 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad, in which 22 people lost their lives, including the UN's top envoy in Iraq, Sérgio Vieira de Mello.
The UN General Assembly made it an official observance in 2008. It also recognises that humanitarian work depends on ordinary people, from doctors and drivers to local volunteers who are often the first to respond.
How it is marked
UN agencies and aid organisations share the stories of humanitarian workers and the communities they serve. Schools and colleges hold talks on disaster relief, first aid and volunteering, while workplaces and families thank relief workers, donate to trusted organisations or sign up to volunteer.
In India, it is worth using the day to recognise the many volunteers and responders who step in during floods, cyclones and other emergencies.
What to write
Keep your message sincere and specific, thanking the person for the care and courage behind their work.
- Thank you for going to the flood camps when everyone else was leaving. Please stay safe out there.
- Thinking of you on World Humanitarian Day. Call when you're back from the field, and eat something proper.
- To the team that ran the relief kitchen after the cyclone, thank you. We still talk about what you did.
How to wish someone on World Humanitarian Day
gratitude for aid workers and volunteers who help people in crisis, and small ways we can all support them
Write a few lines in your own words, pick a design and share it as one link on WhatsApp, Instagram or anywhere else. They open an animated card made just for them, with no app and no sign-up.
Language tip: English, Hindi + recipient language.
Frequently asked questions
Why is World Humanitarian Day on 19 August?
It marks the anniversary of the 19 August 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad, which killed 22 people. The UN General Assembly chose the date in 2008 to honour humanitarian workers.
Who is honoured on World Humanitarian Day?
The day honours humanitarian workers and volunteers who help people affected by conflict and disaster, especially those who have been injured or killed in the course of their work. It also draws attention to the people who need aid.
How can students mark World Humanitarian Day?
Students can learn about disaster relief and first aid, hear from local volunteers, write thank-you notes to relief workers or support a trusted aid organisation through a school drive.
When is World Humanitarian Day in 2026?
World Humanitarian Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, 19 August 2026.
What is World Humanitarian Day?
World Humanitarian Day, on 19 August, honours aid workers and the people they serve in crises around the world. It was designated by the UN General Assembly in 2008 and marks the 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad.
Is World Humanitarian Day a public holiday?
Holiday status for World Humanitarian Day varies by state, employer and community in India, so check your local holiday list.
How do I wish someone on World Humanitarian Day?
Focus on gratitude for aid workers and volunteers who help people in crisis, and small ways we can all support them. On Kehdoo you can write a short message, pick a design and share a free animated World Humanitarian Day card as a single link, with no app or sign-up needed.
Sources
Last verified by the Kehdoo team on .