Latest news with #WorldHumanitarianDay
Daily Maverick
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
World Humanitarian Day, symposium honouring Babita Deokaran and more events in civil society
This week in civil society, events range from the Y20 Summit to World Humanitarian Day activities, community talks on gender justice, and school admissions support for undocumented learners. Also taking place is a whistleblower reporting webinar, a symposium honouring Babita Deokaran, and the Urban Land Justice Gathering in Cape Town. On Monday, 18 August, the Y20 South Africa Summit will begin and continue until Friday, 22 August 2025, under the theme 'Youth for Global Progress: Uniting for Solidarity, Championing Equality, Driving Sustainability '. The Y20 is the official youth engagement group for the G20 and will engage in dialogue, collaboration and action, ensuring that young voices contribute meaningfully to global decision-making. Y20 South Africa 2025 aims to empower young leaders to shape global policies that reflect the priorities of youth. Venue: Birchwood Hotel, Ekurhuleni Tuesday, 19 August marks World Humanitarian Day, which the United Nations says is a time to honour those who step into crises to help others. This year's message is that the humanitarian system is stretched to its limits — underfunded, overwhelmed and under attack. 'In 2024 alone, over 380 humanitarian workers were killed. Some in the line of duty, others in their homes. Hundreds more have been injured, kidnapped or detained, and there is reason to fear 2025 could be worse. Too often, the world looks away, even when these attacks violate international law. The laws meant to protect aid workers are ignored. Those responsible walk free. This silence and lack of accountability cannot continue,' The UN said. In light of this, the UN will relaunch the #ActForHumanity campaign this World Humanitarian Day to demand protection, accountability and action for aid workers. The UN wants world leaders to: Protect humanitarian workers and the civilians they serve. Uphold international humanitarian law. Fund the lifelines we claim to support. On Tuesday, 19 August at 6pm, Youth Capital will host an online discussion called Community Talks — Invisible Threads 'This Women's Month, we're pulling back the curtain on the unseen work that keeps our communities alive. From ending gender-based violence to reimagining budgets and valuing care work, we'll explore how women, often without recognition or support, are holding it all together,' the organisation said. The following topics will be covered during the discussion: Shifting Power, Shifting Culture — What does it take to end gender-based violence beyond awareness and hashtags? National Budget: Who's Counted, What's Valued? — How gender-blind policy keeps work invisible and women at the margins. Care Work: The Unpaid Engine of Our Communities — Who cares for the carers, and what would real recognition look like? RSVP at this link. On Thursday, 21 August at 9am, Lawyers for Human Rights will be running a school admissions help desk for parents for the 2026 school year. The law says that no child can be denied basic education just because they do not have a birth certificate or ID. Through the help desk, Lawyers for Human Rights will advise parents and assist them with their children's admission to a public school, especially Grade 12, even if they do not have an ID or a birth certificate. Venue: Kutlwanong Democracy Centre, 357 Visagie Street, Pretoria Also on Thursday, at 2pm, the Wits Centre for Journalism will host a webinar on ethical and responsible practices when reporting on whistleblowers. The webinar is based on the recently published Wits Centre for Journalism handbook on Responsible Reporting on Whistleblowing, and will be hosted by award-winning journalist and author Mandy Wiener and centre for journalism lecturer and author Dr Nechama Brodie, who co-wrote the guide. Guest experts and speakers include attorney Charl du Plessis, economic and organised crime researcher Dr Ugljesa Radulovic (University of Johannesburg), and award-winning journalist Jeff Wicks. Register for this webinar here. On Friday, 22 August at 9am, the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation will host a symposium to honour the life and sacrifices of Babita Deokaran. The symposium is titled Corruption in Gauteng Health — can it be stopped? It will include discussions and reflections on how to act to protect lives and restore integrity in our health system. Also happening on Friday, 22 August and Saturday, 23 August, several civil society organisations will host the third Urban Land Justice Gathering. The event is co-hosted by the Housing Development Agency, the Socio-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa, the Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies at the University of the Western Cape, A City Occupied collective, and Ndifuna Ukwazi. 'South Africa's spatial apartheid endures; townships and informal settlements remain scars of displacement, while prime urban land sits vacant or hoarded. Even landmark legal victories like the Bromwell Street ruling haven't dismantled this entrenched injustice, exposing the gulf between courtroom wins and material change. Significantly, the urban land crisis disproportionately affects women, who sustain most households yet face systemic barriers to ownership. While managing survival in informal settlements, they remain locked out of their land rights,' The organisations said. The two-day gathering will address the urgent need for land redistribution in light of South Africa's largely failed land reform programme, three decades into democracy.
Al Etihad
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Al Etihad
UAE upholds humanitarian commitment on World Humanitarian Day: Theyab bin Mohamed
18 Aug 2025 18:14 ABU DHABI (WAM)His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Martyrs' Families Affairs, and Chairman of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council, affirmed that humanitarian work is a deeply rooted principle in the UAE, inspired by the legacy of the late Founding Father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al the occasion of World Humanitarian Day, Sheikh Theyab said the UAE had become a global model for swift humanitarian response and support without discrimination or conditions, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed emphasised that the UAE's humanitarian approach reflects a firm belief in solidarity and joint action as the path to a safer and fairer future for all peoples. He praised Emirati humanitarian workers who 'carry the nation's banner across the world,' and highlighted the pivotal role of UAE institutions in delivering relief and development efforts, he noted, embody the country's enduring commitment to extending aid wherever it is needed. Concluding his remarks, Sheikh Theyab reiterated the UAE's determination to continue its mission of alleviating suffering, promoting dignity, and contributing to global peace and stability, guided by the values of compassion and cooperation.
Web Release
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Web Release
Statement by H.E. Ahmad Saeed bin Meshar Al Muhairi, SLC Secretary General, on World Humanitarian Day
'World Humanitarian Day, commemorated annually on 19 August, serves as an occasion to honour the unwavering dedication of humanitarian workers and to reaffirm the shared responsibility of the international community to alleviate the suffering of those affected by crises and to build more just and stable societies. On this day, we pay tribute to the courage and selflessness of humanitarian personnel operating in conflict zones, disaster-affected areas, and crisis-stricken communities across the globe. We also take pride in the UAE's prominent leadership in global humanitarian efforts, an approach firmly rooted in the principles of giving and compassion laid down by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Inspired by his enduring legacy, the UAE continues to reinforce its humanitarian ecosystem through progressive legislative frameworks that support the delivery of aid, promote transparency and efficiency, and foster effective collaboration among the government, private, and non-profit sectors. On this occasion, the Supreme Legislation Committee in the Emirate of Dubai (SLC) extends its sincere appreciation to all humanitarian organisations and workers worldwide, particularly the national humanitarian teams, whose contributions continue to enhance the standing of the Emirate of Dubai and the UAE in the fields of humanitarian work and sustainable development.'
Kuwait Times
8 hours ago
- General
- Kuwait Times
Chief Al-Maqamis: KRCS stresses commitment to humanitarian awareness, global solidarity
Chairman of Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) Khaled Al-Maqamis KUWAIT: Chairman of Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) Khaled Al-Maqamis affirmed the Society's commitment to promoting humanitarian awareness and reinforcing universal humanitarian a statement to KUNA on the occasion of World Humanitarian Day, marked annually on August 19, Al-Maqamis said humanitarian work is deeply rooted value in Kuwaiti society and a core aspect of the State's approach to aiding those in need worldwide. He noted that Kuwait's humanitarian initiatives, through both official and non-governmental channels, have strengthened its global standing in relief efforts. Al-Maqamis highlighted the importance of increasing cooperation with international organizations to address growing humanitarian crises, pointing to KRCS's swift response through targeted aid. He explained that KRCS has provided urgent assistance this year to several countries affected by disasters or conflict, including Palestine, Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, Sudan, and Türkiye. The aid included food parcels, shelter supplies, and sustainable development also paid tribute to humanitarian workers and volunteers, underscoring their dedication and sacrifice, and reiterated KRCS's ongoing commitment to its humanitarian mission in line with Kuwait's belief in humanitarian aid. — KUNA
Arab Times
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Arab Times
KRCS chairman: Humanitarian work is a core Kuwaiti value
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 18: The Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) reaffirmed its commitment to promoting humanitarian awareness and reinforcing universal humanitarian values, Chairman Khaled Al-Maqamis said on Monday. Speaking to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on the occasion of World Humanitarian Day, observed annually on August 19, Al-Maqamis described humanitarian work as a deeply rooted value in Kuwaiti society and a core aspect of the state's approach to aiding those in need worldwide. 'This day is an occasion to honor workers and volunteers in the field, shed light on urgent humanitarian issues, and mobilize international support to confront the repercussions of crises,' he said. Al-Maqamis expressed appreciation for KRCS volunteers and staff, highlighting their dedication and sacrifice across various humanitarian efforts. He emphasized the society's focus on spreading humanitarian values and raising community awareness of the importance of relief work. He noted that Kuwait's humanitarian aid, delivered through both governmental and non-governmental channels, has strengthened the country's international reputation in relief and development initiatives. Highlighting the importance of international cooperation, Al-Maqamis said the escalating crises and natural disasters worldwide require intensified partnerships with the UN and other organizations to alleviate human suffering. He outlined KRCS's response this year, including urgent humanitarian assistance to countries affected by conflict or disasters such as Palestine, Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, Sudan, and Türkiye. Aid included food parcels, shelter supplies, and sustainable development projects aimed at rebuilding affected communities. Al-Maqamis reiterated that KRCS would continue its humanitarian mission, guided by Kuwait's commitment to generosity and solidarity, emphasizing that humanitarian work is both a moral duty and a noble mission transcending geographical and political boundaries.
