HUMANITARIANS

In today’s development world, the word “humanitarian” is bandied around so much that one can be forgiven for thinking that it equates with military intervention that at best complicates or worsens already tenuous conditions OR at worst self-serving interference under the guise of protecting the innocent.

19th August has been set aside as World Humanitarian Day and I figured this is as good time as any to focus on the true meaning of the word. I could easily use this piece to wax lyrical about diverse NGOs both international and local as well as multilateral and bilateral institutions providing direct aid to the needy but I won’t.

I am convinced that the “foot soldiers” in these organisations; the unsung heroes who sacrifice their lives daily to ensure that the needy are looked after – whether by getting food to remote and dangerous regions or tending to bullet-wounds with their bullet-proof vests on – they are the humanitarians. They hardly appear on the cover of glossy magazines or the two-minute TV segments but they are the ones who are making a difference between life and death for millions across the globe.

The definition I’ll finish today’s post with is by one of these people who works for the World Food Programme. Don’t get me wrong, there are probably other more scholarly definitions of the word but this definition is one I think we can all relate to and should all try to aspire to in our daily lives. Regardless of our race or gender, if we can each try to play our part, the world will be a better place indeed.

“A humanitarian is one who possesses a spirit of empathy for needy people regardless of their race, colour or religion. He or she is willing to give up his or her own welfare for the sake of others.” Khin Moe Aye

Are you a humanitarian or are you aspiring to become one?

Until the next time…………