Worldwide, more than 300 million people depend on humanitarian assistance – in wars such as those in Ukraine, Gaza and the Sudan, in refugee camps around the world and in the wake of natural disasters like the earthquake in Myanmar. Many aid workers risk their lives every day, and far too many – more than 600 worldwide – have been killed in the last two years while bravely delivering aid.

In a world marked by crises and conflicts, humanitarian engagement continues to be absolutely essential. Germany is living up to its responsibility and remains a reliable partner for emergency assistance as one of the world’s largest donors. We provide aid to those affected by severe crises – also not forgetting crises that do not make the headlines. Children, the elderly and those who have been injured are always the first to suffer hunger when crises and conflicts arise. In the Sudan, we are alleviating hunger, and in Myanmar we are delivering emergency aid in the wake of the devastating earthquake. In Ukraine, we are helping families who have had to flee war and destruction find new homes, and in the Gaza Strip we are working to enable access to people who are desperate for aid.

In the Sudan, we are working with our partners to fight the world’s largest hunger crisis. More than 25 million people face a lack of food in the country that is torn by civil war. This year, Germany is making available 125 million euro in assistance for the Sudan alone. The emergency fund of the United Nations is using this money to set up soup kitchens, as well as safe spaces for women and children. In Ukraine, we have provided 1.4 billion euro in emergency aid since the start of Russia’s war of aggression. This includes, in cooperation with the World Food Programme, rescuing grain from front line areas in Ukraine and then distributing it in Syria at a time when the supply there was particularly at risk.

The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, too, is unbearable. Right now, women, men and children are killed every day while desperately searching for food. Since 2023, Germany has provided more than 335 million euro to help the population. In order that we can continue to assist, we need safe access for humanitarian aid workers, so that they can reach those in need.

Humanitarian assistance contributes to safety and stability, thus paving the way for peace. Without humanitarian aid workers, we could not do all of this. That is why, on this World Humanitarian Day, I want to sincerely thank all those who take such great risks to help others.