On the 2025 World Humanitarian Day (WHD), on 19 August, the United Nations in Ukraine and humanitarian partners join the global humanitarian community in honouring aid workers who have been killed or injured in the line of duty and in calling for stronger protection of civilians and humanitarian personnel.

This year’s WHD comes at a critical moment for the humanitarian community. Globally, the humanitarian system is underfunded, overstretched and under attack, as said by the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher. 2024 was the deadliest year on record for humanitarian workers, with more than 380 killed. 2025 is already on track to be worse.

In Ukraine, since January 2025, four humanitarian workers have been killed, including two in the line of duty, and at least 32 have been injured, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Over 100 incidents involving harm to humanitarian personnel, assets, and facilities have been reported – highlighting the growing dangers faced by those working to reach people in need.

The war continues to exact a devastating toll on civilians. July 2025 marked the highest monthly civilian casualty count since May 2022, with 286 killed and 1,388 injured, according to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (HRMMU). Since the Russian Federation launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, HRMMU has documented the deaths of at least 13,883 civilians, including 726 children, and 35,548 civilians were injured, including 2,234 children. The actual number might be higher as some reports are still pending confirmation.

This year’s #ActForHumanity campaign is especially urgent in Ukraine, where civilians and aid workers face daily threats from insecurity and attacks impacting civilian infrastructure. We urge everyone to stand in solidarity with humanitarians, demand their protection and support the lifelines they provide.

Follow our updates and add your voice to the global call: #ActForHumanity. Together, we can honour those who serve and protect those in need.