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 S
ave The Children: - Share information with children so that theyunderstand clearly what their involvement willentail and what they can expect it will lead to,and factor in their willingness to take part,their availability and the feelings of theirparents/guardians.
- Encourage inclusive approaches to children'sparticipation.
- Recognise the diversity of childhoods. Children'sroles and responsibilities may be differentaccording to age, gender, disability, culture,religion and ethnicity.
- Take every opportunity to respect children ascompetent social actors and as active citizens.
- Do not assume that what adults tell you aboutthe community covers children's issues.
- Acknowledging and appreciating what childrenhave done and can do, and listening to them, areforms of allowing children to participate.
- Validate self-efficacy and decision making abilityof girls and boys in the affected communities.
- Encourage ongoing processes for children'sparticipation and citizenship - preparing adultsand empowering children - especially the mostmarginalised.
- To bring about shifts in the mind-set of mostadults, the local culture, philosophy and customsmust be understood and respected.
- Sensitise adults to appreciate and involve girlsand boys.
- Remember that all assistance should create selfreliance and resilience among