New version
World Humanitarian Day serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by people around the world. However, as we reflect upon this day, it becomes evident that the United Nations, the driving force behind it, often falls short in addressing these critical issues.
As the day unfolds, many individuals seek a glimmer of hope, only to witness the United Nations’ inability to effect meaningful change. Countless nations, including Iran, Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, Ukraine, China, North Korea, Pakistan, Lebanon, Libya, Egypt, Israel/Palestine, Yemen, India, Myanmar, Russia, Nigeria, Mali, Central African Republic, Congo, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Mexico, Burundi, Armenia/Azerbaijan, Turkey, Colombia, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Algeria, and Morocco, find themselves immersed in conflicts and wars. These 39 countries represent approximately 20% of the recognized nations worldwide, and this list may not even be exhaustive.
With one-fifth of the globe engulfed in turmoil, celebrating humanitarians on this day may seem somewhat misguided. Particularly when considering that the United Nations could play a more proactive role in many of these situations, given their political influence, some conflicts could potentially be resolved without the need for peacekeepers. However, the United Nations’ peacekeeping efforts often face scrutiny and distrust, partly due to recent reports of abuses by their personnel. Furthermore, the fact that they function as an army, albeit under a different guise, diminishes their perceived neutrality.
Had World Humanitarian Day been established by organizations such as “Save The Children” or “Médecins Sans Frontières” (Doctors Without Borders), it would be easier to understand the true humanitarian intent behind it. These organizations consistently demonstrate their commitment to humanitarian actions. However, when considering the United Nations, it becomes apparent that it functions more as a political and military entity, akin to NATO. While entities like UNICEF, UNDP, UNFPA, and WFP operate under its umbrella, they are limited in their influence compared to the organization’s broader political objectives.
The inaugural World Humanitarian Summit held in Istanbul, Turkey, garnered widespread support from non-governmental actors, urging world leaders to actively participate. There was an expectation that the outcomes of the summit would be revisited on subsequent World Humanitarian Days. However, as the clock strikes 6 o’clock in the evening in Turkey, including Istanbul, the day draws to a close with no substantial progress to showcase. This lack of tangible results further reinforces the perception of broken promises associated with the United Nations.
In light of these considerations, it becomes challenging to wholeheartedly support an organization that seemingly offers little in return. How can we rally behind an institution and its designated day when it fails to demonstrate concrete actions? It is crucial to question the efficacy and impact of global initiatives and demand greater accountability from those responsible for addressing humanitarian crises.
In conclusion, World Humanitarian Day serves as a reminder of the pressing global challenges faced by conflict-ridden countries. While the United Nations spearheads this observance, its effectiveness in driving substantial change remains questionable. The need for a genuine humanitarian response is essential, and it is crucial to assess the actions and initiatives of international organizations in addressing these critical issues.
Old version (The Broken Promises – In Dedication Of World Humanitarian Day)
World Humanitarian Day…
A day when the ignorance always becomes most clear.
As I have tried to often express, the United Nations are behind this 2-sided day, yet act close to never…
As this day progresses, many people would love to have a glimmer of hope, and the United Nations just beats it down in the ground once again.
Iran, Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, Ukraine, China, North Korea, Pakistan, Lebanon, Libya, Egypt, Israel/Palestine, Yemen, India, Myanmar, Russia(Not because of Ukraine), Nigeria, Mali, Central African Republic, Congo, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Mexico, Burundi, Armenia/Azerbaijan, Turkey, Colombia, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Algeria and Morocco…
All of them would love some humanity probably, as all these countries are officially in a state of conflict, or even war…
39 countries if I counted correctly, of the 195(?) recognized countries of the world… That is an exact total of 20% of the world that is currently in conflict, and my list might even not be completed…
20% of the world is basically fighting, and we are celebrating humanitarians, it seems ignorant…
Especially when you look at the fact the United Nations could themselves act at most of them, as they are political, and some could probably be resolved without the need of their peacekeepers…
Peacekeepers which are not trusted by most of the world, which is not weird with just very recently being yet another report of abuse by them…
But also for the fact they are soldiers, an army, just with a different name…
I suppose the United Nations does not look so neutral when you think about the fact they could do almost anything with that, as an army = an army, however you turn it around, it remains the same.
If the day had been set up by charities like “Save The Children” or “Médecins Sans Frontières”(Doctors Without Borders), I could understand, as they indeed show true humanitarian acts.
However, I would have to compare the United Nations as something like NATO, an international organization that revolves around military and political acts, not humanitarian, even though there are parts like UNICEF, UNDP, UNFPA, WFP and others, they are only part of 1 basic principle…
We had the first “World Humanitarian Summit” at Istanbul, Turkey, we were called on before to ask the leaders of our countries to join, and there was a massive support by non-governmental people.
I remember back then something said, which was they would look back at the results since then at this day, World Humanitarian Day.
Currently, at Turkey(including Istanbul) it is 6 o’clock in the evening, and nothing has been shown…
In effects, the day is for most here close to an end, and that is also coming close at the rest of Europe…
In the end it always revolves around broken promises with the United Nations, and therefore I do indeed not support them…
How can we support an organization and “their day” when they show truly nothing in return?