Commissioner Lahbib's Declaration for the 2025 World Humanitarian Day

The world is witnessing a surge in humanitarian needs, with crises reaching unprecedented heights. The year 2024 stood as a grim milestone, recording the deadliest year on record for aid workers, with 383 killed, 308 wounded, and 125 kidnapped.

Amidst these challenging times, the European Union (EU) has pledged to keep its support for humanitarian aid unwavering. The EU, one of the world's largest humanitarian aid donors, has been at the forefront of providing essential aid to those in need.

However, the situation is far from ideal. Blatant violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) are occurring openly, and respect for IHL is under threat. The rules of war, established by the Geneva Conventions in 1949, remain unchanged: violating IHL is a crime.

The EU's "Protect Aid Workers" rapid-response programme is a testament to its commitment. This initiative supports 376 local humanitarians in 211 critical incidents, providing much-needed protection to those on the frontlines. Local aid workers, who make up 90% of those attacked, often lack the protection of international staff and are aided by this programme.

Man-made humanitarian crises in Sudan, Gaza, and Ukraine have received global outrage, but countless other crises unfold beyond the spotlight. The attention needed for humanitarian crises should extend beyond the most visible emergencies.

The head of the EU Commission for Equality, Preparedness, and Crisis Management, who has previously spoken about the EU's humanitarian aid measures, is Helena Dalli. Despite the progress made, the situation remains dire. In 2025, there were 265 aid workers killed, potentially surpassing the tragic record of 2024.

Ending the suffering caused by conflicts and man-made crises requires courageous political leadership and action to forge lasting peace and protect the most vulnerable. Without accountability for the killing of aid workers, more will die. Targeted attacks on civilians, aid workers, hospitals, schools, and other civilian targets are surging, and access to lifesaving aid is increasingly denied.

Humanitarian aid, while essential, is not enough on its own to end the suffering caused by conflicts and man-made crises. It will continue to be a beacon of hope, even in the darkest of times, but it must be accompanied by political will and action to bring about lasting change.