World Humanitarian Day 2027
A UN day honouring aid workers who risk their lives to help others and the people affected by crises around the world.
Quick facts
- Date
- August 19
- Day of the week
- Thursday in 2027
- Type
- International
- Observed in
- Global
- First observed
- 2008 (first observed 2009)
- Established by
- United Nations General Assembly
- Led by
- UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
- Hashtag
- #WorldHumanitarianDay
Overview
World Humanitarian Day, on August 19, pays tribute to humanitarian workers who have been killed or injured while helping others, and to the millions of people in need of humanitarian aid because of conflict, disasters and displacement.
History
On August 19, 2003, a bomb attack on the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, which housed the UN headquarters in Iraq, killed 22 people, including the UN's Special Representative Sérgio Vieira de Mello. In 2008 the UN General Assembly designated August 19 as World Humanitarian Day, first observed in 2009.
- 2003The Canal Hotel bombing in Baghdad kills 22 people, including Sérgio Vieira de Mello.
- 2008The UN General Assembly establishes World Humanitarian Day.
- 2009The first World Humanitarian Day is observed.
How to celebrate
Donate to an emergency appeal
Give to a reputable organisation responding to a current crisis.
Volunteer locally
Support a food bank, shelter or refugee welcome group.
Share stories
Help people understand crises that receive little media attention.
Wishes and messages
Greeting card
A 1080 × 1080 image, ready for WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram.
Social media captions
Humanity first. 🤍 #WorldHumanitarianDay
Aid workers are not a target.
World Humanitarian Day dates
| Year | Date | Day of the week | Days from today |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | August 19 | Wednesday | Passed |
| 2027 | August 19 | Thursday | 290 |
| 2028 | August 19 | Saturday | 656 |
| 2029 | August 19 | Sunday | 1,021 |
| 2030 | August 19 | Monday | 1,386 |
| 2031 | August 19 | Tuesday | 1,751 |
Frequently asked questions
When is World Humanitarian Day?
Every year on August 19.
Why August 19?
It marks the 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters at the Canal Hotel in Baghdad.
Last updated November 2, 2026