MOGADISHU, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Somalia, the United Nations (UN) and their partners on Wednesday marked World Humanitarian Day by paying tribute to the dedication and courage of aid workers across the country.
In a joint statement issued in Mogadishu, the Somali government and UN agencies called for greater protection of humanitarian workers and accountability for attacks, threats and obstructions that prevent life-saving aid from reaching those in need.
"On this World Humanitarian Day, I pay tribute to the dedication and courage of humanitarian workers across Somalia, particularly Somali aid workers and local responders who form the backbone of the humanitarian response," said George Conway, deputy special representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia.
According to the UN, this year's global theme, "Act for Humanity," comes as humanitarian workers worldwide face escalating threats, including loss of life, illegal detention, and denied access to communities affected by conflict, disasters and other crises.
Conway called on all warring factions to uphold their obligations under international law by protecting humanitarian personnel, facilities and assets.
"When humanitarian workers are attacked or prevented from reaching people in need, it is civilians who ultimately pay the price," Conway said.
Mohamud Moallim Abdulle, commissioner of the Somalia Disaster Management Agency, paid tribute to local and international relief workers who continue to serve vulnerable communities, often under dangerous and exceptionally difficult conditions.
"We also remember those who lost their lives while helping others. Humanitarian workers are often the first to reach communities during an emergency and the last to leave," Moallim said.
Driven by a volatile mix of drought, conflict, displacement and disease, the crisis has left an estimated 4.8 million people in Somalia in need of emergency assistance in 2026, the UN said.
