Did you know that every 19th day of August is World Humanitarian Day? It's a day dedicated to recognize humanitarian personnel and those who have lost their lives working for humanitarian causes. It was designated by the United Nations General Assembly as part of a Swedish-sponsored GA Resolution A/63/L.49 on the Strengthening of the Coordination of Emergency Assistance of the United Nations.
The purpose of World Humanitarian Day is to raise awareness of the plight of civilians around the world, especially women and children who have become caught up in conflicts, and also honour and raise support for the humanitarian workers who risk, and sometimes lose, their lives to help.
During emergencies and humanitarian contexts, children are especially vulnerable to disease, malnutrition and violence.  Children living in conflict areas are worst off. Countries in armed conflict situations are more likely to be living in extreme poverty. The chaos and insecurity of war threatens or destroys access to food, shelter, social support and health care, and results in increased vulnerability in communities, especially for children.
So, how can you involve the kids in humanitarian work? These are the recommended guidelines by Save The Children: 
  • Share information with children so that they
    understand clearly what their involvement will
    entail and what they can expect it will lead to,
    and factor in their willingness to take part,
    their availability and the feelings of their
    parents/guardians.
  • Encourage inclusive approaches to children's
    participation.
  •  Recognise the diversity of childhoods. Children's
    roles and responsibilities may be different
    according to age, gender, disability, culture,
    religion and ethnicity.
  •  Take every opportunity to respect children as
    competent social actors and as active citizens.
  •  Do not assume that what adults tell you about
    the community covers children's issues.
  •  Acknowledging and appreciating what children
    have done and can do, and listening to them, are
    forms of allowing children to participate.
  •  Validate self-efficacy and decision making ability
    of girls and boys in the affected communities.
  • Encourage ongoing processes for children's
    participation and citizenship - preparing adults
    and empowering children - especially the most
    marginalised.
  •  To bring about shifts in the mind-set of most
    adults, the local culture, philosophy and customs
    must be understood and respected.
  •  Sensitise adults to appreciate and involve girls
    and boys.
  •  Remember that all assistance should create selfreliance and resilience among

About The Author

Author
Maureen Kasuku

Maureen is our resident cat lady and Beyoncé stan. She writes about spas, brunch and ballet recitals but has never been to any. Moonlights as a social justice activist in her spare time. She knows things and is obnoxiously opinionated on the internet but not in real life

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