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Record 130 million people live on humanitarian aid: UN

Xinhua, August 20, 2016 Adjust font size:

A record 130 million people are dependent on humanitarian assistance to survive, said UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Friday, calling on the world to unite to "leave no one behind."

"Hidden behind the statistics are individuals, families and communities whose lives have been devastated," said Ban in a message to the World Humanitarian Day which falls on Friday.

Ban urged the international community to raise money for the UN's Central Emergency Response Fund to support individuals worldwide that are in need of help.

World Humanitarian Day is annually commemorated on Aug. 19, a date that coincides with the anniversary of the 2003 bombing attack against UN headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq.

Also on Friday, a wreath-laying ceremony was held at UN headquarters to pay tribute to 22 UN staff members that were killed in the bombing attack and honor those who have lost their lives in humanitarian service.

This year under the world day's theme of "one humanity," the United Nations is calling for commitments to support people affected by crisis and ensure that aid workers can safely and more effectively deliver to those in need. Endit