August 19th – World Humanitarian Day. We call for the protection of humanitarian workers
date
19 August 2025
category
When volunteers fall, the world loses not only people but also hope. On World Humanitarian Day, we remind you: those who help cannot be a target.
August 19 is a special date for the humanitarian community – established by the UN General Assembly in 2008, it commemorates the victims of the bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad in 2003. It is a day dedicated to humanitarian workers who bravely and selflessly provide assistance in the most difficult conditions.
This year's data is alarming: since the start of the conflict in Palestine, 51 members of PRCS staff have already died — 31 of them while delivering humanitarian service.These are not just numbers – they are tragedies of individuals who sacrificed their own safety to provide help. Along with their loss, communities suffer, losing access to the assistance they need most.
Humanitarian aid is concrete actions by ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. It is a reflex of the heart, but also a tremendous responsibility. In the face of disasters, armed conflicts, or humanitarian crises, courage alone is no longer sufficient – we need real mechanisms of protection and safety that enable effective and safe assistance where it is most needed. That is why it is so important to respect symbols that protect life – such as the Red Cross emblem. This symbol is not decoration – it is an international symbol of neutrality and protection. It should guarantee safety to both those who provide assistance and those who need it. An attack on a medical convoy, a hospital, or a volunteer signifies not only a violation of international law – it strikes at the very idea of humanity. Today, more than ever, we must remind the world that the Red Cross is not a side in the conflict – it is hope. It is a sign that must be respected to save lives – one after another – where others can no longer bear to look.
#ProtectHumanity – a united voice of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
The #ProtectHumanity campaign, led by IFRC, ICRC, and UNOCHA (United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs), joined by the Polish Red Cross, is an international call to action for the protection of humanitarian workers. World Humanitarian Day 2025 is a moment to make it clear: the current scale of violence is unacceptable, and every death is always one too many.
Countries and decision-makers have an obligation to ensure the protection of those providing assistance, in accordance with international humanitarian law. Both volunteers and workers deserve respect and access to equipment that protects their lives.
Ready to act every day
The Polish Red Cross has 3 Humanitarian Assistance Groups and 8 Humanitarian Support Groups, which include nearly 200 specially trained volunteers. The Polish Red Cross Rescue System consists of 19 specialized Rescue Groups, comprising over 400 people.
These are the first ones to reach disaster and natural disaster sites, organizing evacuations, medical assistance, psychological support, and logistics. In 2024 – during the floods in southern Poland – PCK teams, among others, provided equipment, food, water, blankets, and hygiene products to residents of flooded areas. Thousands of meals were distributed on-site, and volunteers assisted in evacuating residents, providing them with shelter and help. In 2025, in the face of renewed flood threats, all rescue groups were fully prepared to provide assistance to those affected.
All this is made possible by the nationwide collection #NaRatunekPowódź and cooperation with local authorities and services.
The Rescue Fund: rapid response when hours matter
The #NaRatunek Fund is a permanent financial reserve of PCK, created to act immediately in crises. Thanks to it, we can provide help wisely and flexibly – without unnecessary delays, exactly where the needs are greatest at the moment.
Thanks to the Fund, we can:
quickly mobilize PCK Rescue teams and PCK Humanitarian Assistance Groups to start providing help – already within minutes after the disaster,
train and equip teams for the future – by investing in people and equipment, we increase readiness for future threats,
provide long-term support to those in need – not only immediately after the tragedy, but also in the process of rebuilding and returning to normalcy,
educate and prevent – build public awareness and preparedness for times of crisis.
This approach translates into responsible help – based on readiness, anticipation, and social solidarity.
What can you do?
Share this material with the hashtag #ProtectHumanity
Raise your voice in the discussion about the protection of volunteers and humanitarian workers
Make a donation to the Rescue Fund: pck.pl/fundusz-na-ratunek
Become a PCK volunteer https://pck.pl/badz-z-nami/dla-kazdego/zostan-wolontariuszem
Return
Aug
01
armed conflicts
Jul
16
blood donation
Holiday Blood Drop. Donate blood this summer
The Polish Red Cross is conducting nationwide awareness campaigns and encouraging donations through its Holiday Drop of Blood campaign. This is a response to the increased demand for this valuable tissue during the summer months.
Jul
04
children
Holidays with PCK. We create beautiful memories
Hundreds of children will have wonderful holiday memories thanks to the recreation organized throughout the country by the Polish Red Cross. For many of them, these will be the most beautiful days of this summer.
Jul
10
, #totherescue
Ready for a flood. At any moment
Due to heavy rainfall and the risk of flooding, weather alerts were in effect across much of the country. The Polish Red Cross's Rescue Teams and Humanitarian Aid Teams were placed on heightened alert. Thanks to our excellent organization, training, and equipment, we are able to act quickly.
You are currently viewing a page filtered by content from the department. Cała PolskaIf you want to view content from Cała Polskaclick the button