When is World Humanitarian Day?
World Humanitarian Day 2027 is on Thursday
Thursday, August 19, 2027
August 19 every year. That's in 306 days.
until World Humanitarian Day begins, in your time zone
World Humanitarian Day honors aid workers who help people caught in wars and disasters, remembers those killed doing that work, and calls for civilians and humanitarian staff to be protected.
About World Humanitarian Day
World Humanitarian Day recognizes the people who deliver food, medical care, shelter and protection in crises, along with the communities they serve. It also draws attention to the growing danger of the work. According to the UN, most aid workers harmed in attacks are national staff serving their own communities, and in 2025 the UN counted 350 humanitarian workers killed.
The date recalls August 19, 2003, when a bomb attack struck the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, then the UN headquarters in Iraq. The attack killed 22 people working for the humanitarian effort, among them Sergio Vieira de Mello, the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Iraq. On December 11, 2008, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution 63/139, which designated August 19 as World Humanitarian Day, and the first observance took place in 2009.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) runs the day as its yearly flagship campaign and picks a theme. Recent campaigns have used the slogan #ActForHumanity, calling on governments and armed groups to respect international humanitarian law, allow aid to reach people in need and investigate attacks on civilians and aid workers. Earlier themes included #NotATarget in 2017 and 2018 and #WomenHumanitarians in 2019.
Under international humanitarian law, civilians, including humanitarian and medical personnel, must be respected and protected in armed conflict. The day is a reminder that each attack on aid workers also cuts off help to the people who depend on them.
Sources: United Nations: World Humanitarian Day, OCHA: World Humanitarian Day, General Assembly resolution 63/139 (2008). How we check dates.
How to mark World Humanitarian Day
- Read OCHA's current campaign material and share a verified story about a humanitarian worker or responder.
- Donate to an established aid organization, especially one that funds local and national responders working in their own communities.
- Learn the basics of international humanitarian law through the free introductions published by the Red Cross and Red Crescent movement.
- Take a first aid course so you are better prepared to help in an emergency close to home.
- Volunteer with your local disaster-response or Red Cross or Red Crescent chapter.
World Humanitarian Day dates
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Tuesday, August 19, 2025 |
| 2026 | Wednesday, August 19, 2026 |
| 2027 | Thursday, August 19, 2027 |
| 2028 | Saturday, August 19, 2028 |
| 2029 | Sunday, August 19, 2029 |
| 2030 | Monday, August 19, 2030 |
| 2031 | Tuesday, August 19, 2031 |
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Frequently asked questions
When is World Humanitarian Day 2027?
World Humanitarian Day 2027 is on Thursday, August 19, 2027. It falls on August 19 every year. In 2028, it is on Saturday, August 19, 2028.
Why is World Humanitarian Day on August 19?
It marks the anniversary of the August 19, 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters at the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, which killed 22 humanitarian workers, including UN envoy Sergio Vieira de Mello.
Who organizes World Humanitarian Day?
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) leads the day and sets its campaign theme, working with UN agencies, NGOs and the Red Cross and Red Crescent movement.
Is World Humanitarian Day a public holiday?
No. World Humanitarian Day is an observance, not a public holiday, so schools, banks, government offices and most businesses keep their normal hours.