This World Humanitarian Day, Depaul International and Depaul Ukraine are joining humanitarian agencies around the world to give recognition for the incredible work of humanitarian aid workers and to commemorate those who have lost their lives providing aid. We ask those in power to protect humanitarian workers and the civilians they serve.
In 2025, multiple, protracted crises around the world have caused devastating consequences for the people and communities impacted by them.
With an estimated 305 million people requiring urgent humanitarian assistance, the work of those providing this aid is crucial to ensuring the survival, well-being and dignity of those living in conflict zones.
Despite this, humanitarians and the services they provide are under increasing attack.
At the Depaul Group, we know how vital humanitarian aid is. Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, our aid has reached over 270,000 people across the country, including those who are marginalised or living in harder-to-reach areas.
Provision of cash assistance helped thousands of people like Olena, who was displaced to Kyiv, to settle into her new home and buy food, clothes and medicine for her children. Our mental health and psychological support services helped Natalia to process her trauma and develop lasting coping mechanisms after being displaced from her home.
Dmytro Dmytrenko, Head of Programmes at Depaul Ukraine, said:
“This year, massive destruction of residential areas continues, and our teams have been rebuilding homes and helping people to prepare for winter.
“The trauma of war, the loss of loved ones and the transition from the frontline back to civilian life all present enormous psychological challenges for Ukrainians. That’s why we’re providing psychological support to help people process the difficult experiences of war and give them the strength to look towards the future.
“This work is made possible by our dedicated teams, who provide support in areas where the need is greatest.”
Beyond Ukraine, escalating conflicts in Gaza, Sudan and elsewhere have seen civilians and humanitarian aid workers under increasing threat. Gaza is now the most dangerous place for humanitarian aid workers, with more than 400 aid workers losing their lives since 2023.
International Humanitarian Law, as outlined by the International Committee of the Red Cross, states that humanitarian relief personnel must be respected and protected.
Matthew Carter, Group CEO Depaul International, said:
“Around the world, aid workers who are providing life-saving support remain under attack. When humanitarian actors are unable to respond in times of crisis, this has tragic consequences for the people and communities they serve.
“That’s why, this World Humanitarian Day, we’re joining the call for the protection of aid workers and those affected by crises. Stronger protection for humanitarian aid workers and civilians must be guaranteed.”