Brussels: Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, and Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, praised the role of aid workers during the observance of World Humanitarian Day, held annually on 19 August.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Kallas and Lahbib issued a joint statement emphasizing the dedication of aid workers who often operate in overlooked regions, describing their efforts as a significant expression of human solidarity. They acknowledged the substantial risks these workers face, noting that their courage frequently comes with severe consequences.
The commissioners reported that, in 2026 alone, there have been 82 aid workers killed, 39 kidnapped, and 97 wounded. They highlighted that attacks on humanitarian personnel, as well as on hospitals and civilian areas, are deliberate violations of international humanitarian law, not mere accidents.
Special attention was drawn to Sudan, where one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises persists, causing loss of life and massive displacement. The statement also referenced ongoing crises in Gaza, Ukraine, the Horn of Africa, the Sahel, Afghanistan, and Myanmar, where humanitarian access remains a significant challenge and global awareness is lacking.
The joint statement underscored the European Union's commitment as a major humanitarian donor, pledging to continue its humanitarian diplomacy efforts to secure rapid, safe, and unrestricted access for aid. The commissioners also highlighted the EU's Protect Aid Workers rapid-response programme, which provided immediate assistance to 782 local humanitarian workers across 25 countries in 2025.