In 2003 the UN headquarters in Baghdad was bombed and 22 people were killed. That attack also killed the UN's top envoy, Sergio Vieira de Mello. In 2008 the UN General Assembly established 19 of August as World Humanitarian Day. However, we often wonder how many people remember that day? So, what is the purpose of having World Humanitarian Day?
Dr dr FX Wikan Indrarto, a pediatrician at Panti Rapih Hospital who is also the Dean of Medical School at Catholic University Atma Jaya in Yogya said that Indonesian medical doctors are amongst people who often working as humanitarian workers or volunteers.
Asking them to volunteer when disasters happen or when their service is needed in the areas of conflict or wars, is relatively easy. As an example is the existence of Indonesian Hospital in Gaza. Dr Indrarto believes that we need to raise people’s awareness of humanitarian crises and appreciate the dedication of the humanitarian workers who often put their safety at risk.
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