World Humanitarian Day: #ProtectHumanity

Every day, more than 16 million Red Cross workers make a difference around the globe. They are the beating heart of the world’s largest humanitarian network, and they help people in need in more than 191 countries, often in dangerous conditions. They are our strength. They are what define us. And they help make the world a safer place every single day. Yet humanitarians face escalating violence. Humanitarians – staff and volunteers – must be protected.

August 19 is World Humanitarian Day, and today and every day, we recognize those who have lost their lives or put themselves at risk to help people in need. Even one life lost is far too many.

In 2024 alone, 28 global Red Cross Red Crescent Movement volunteers and staff have died or been killed while performing their humanitarian duties. In such a short time, this is among the highest levels of global violence against Red Cross and Red Crescent workers that we’ve ever experienced.

For well over a century, Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers and staff have been present inside communities before, during and after disasters and crises. That’s because we are committed to serving the communities in which we live, and to providing lifesaving assistance, comfort and care, no matter what.

More than just strengthening their communities, the 28 Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers and staff who lost their lives were people living robust lives. They were parents, spouses, trusted colleagues, and friends. They lost their lives while helping their neighbors. They were responding to emergencies. They had hopes and dreams. They were brave enough to put on their Red Cross and Red Crescent vests to do their part to make the world a better place in the most challenging of times.

Without protection and respect, Red Crossers cannot reach people and perform lifesaving work. Our hearts are with the families and colleagues of those who have lost their lives in the line of duty, and we join in solidarity with them to #ProtectHumanity. Violence against humanitarian workers must stop.

A Symbol of Neutrality and Protection

In 1864, the Geneva Conventions established the Red Cross emblem as the universal symbol of neutrality and protection in armed conflict. Soon after, the Red Cross emblem was also adopted to identify the humanitarian services of Red Cross National Societies.

Since its inception, in situations of armed conflict, the Red Cross emblem says “don’t shoot”— this person, building, vehicle or equipment is not part of the fight but is providing impartial assistance.

In disasters big and small and wherever the Red Cross works to prevent and alleviate human suffering, the Red Cross emblem communicates that assistance is being provided by the Red Cross in keeping with our fundamental principles of humanity, independence, neutrality, unity, impartiality, universality and voluntary service.

To learn more about the Red Cross emblem, click here.