Egypt celebrates World Humanitarian Day, highlights efforts in Gaza and Sudan

CAIRO – 19 August 2024: On August 19th, Egypt, along with the global community, celebrates World Humanitarian Day. This day reaffirms Egypt's deep commitment to humanitarian principles, including impartiality, neutrality, integrity, and independence, ensuring that humanitarian efforts remain free from political influence.

Egypt highly values the dedication of all humanitarian workers, particularly those who operate under extreme conditions, often risking their lives to save others and alleviate suffering.

The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that Egypt, due to its strategic geographic location, continues to be a central hub for humanitarian action.

The country remains responsive to humanitarian needs arising from crises and disasters, acknowledging the critical role of Egyptian civil society organizations in mobilizing and providing urgent relief aid. Furthermore, Egypt appreciates the significant contributions of international and UN agencies in this domain and reaffirms its support for these organizations.

This year's World Humanitarian Day coincides with the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, where Palestinians continue to endure suffering due to a prolonged war that has lasted over 10 months.

The conflict has witnessed severe violations of international humanitarian law, including attacks on humanitarian workers and the obstruction of aid delivery, as part of a collective punishment strategy aimed at starving and besieging civilians.

Since the onset of the war in Gaza, Egypt has been at the forefront of providing aid to its Palestinian neighbors, offering urgent humanitarian assistance, including medicines, medical supplies, and food. Egypt has also opened its borders to the injured, their families, and others fleeing the violence in Palestine.

Egypt has not forgotten its Sudanese brothers and sisters. Since the outbreak of the crisis in Sudan in April 2023, Egypt has welcomed over 500,000 Sudanese refugees, providing them with essential support and care.

This is in addition to the 5 million Sudanese who already reside in Egypt, reflecting the deep humanitarian solidarity of the Egyptian people with their neighbors in Sudan.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated Egypt's ongoing leadership in humanitarian efforts within the region. Egypt will continue to respond to various crises and stand in solidarity with its neighbors during their times of need. The country also supports the integration of humanitarian work with development and peace initiatives.

In a message of appreciation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs saluted all humanitarian workers and those who believe in noble humanitarian values on this day.

The ministry also paid tribute to the sacrifices of those who have lost their lives in the service of others, including the Egyptian UN official Nadia Younes, who was killed during an attack on the UN mission in Baghdad on August 19, 2002. This day has since been dedicated annually to honor the memory of all humanitarian workers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.