“Also this year, the World Humanitarian Day, established by the United Nations to commemorate the attack on the UN headquarters in Baghdad on 19 August 2003, represents an important opportunity to reflect on the ever-growing number of humanitarian crises in the world,” said Foreign Minister Alfano. According to an estimate by the United Nations, there are more than 65 million refugees and displaced persons because of wars and natural disasters, the highest number ever recorded since the end of World War II.
He went on: “Italy is in the forefront in promoting respect for International Humanitarian Law and in assuring humanitarian access to all the populations that are the victims of conflicts, to avoid any form of discrimination. We are intensifying efforts to assure protection and assistance to the displaced people of any region and especially in the Countries of transit of migration flows.
From Libya to Syria, from Iraq to the Sahel and the Horn of Africa, in addition to the crises in Yemen and South Sudan, the efforts of Italian Cooperation to preserve the life and dignity of individuals in emergency situations intensify also thanks to the significant increase in the resources allocated to Public Development Aid. In 2017, the funds for humanitarian interventions rose 15% compared to the previous year.
On this Day of Remembrance, it is dutiful to also recall the thousands of Italian humanitarian workers who honour our Country in the remotest regions of the Planet, showing great professionalism and dedication. To them goes our deepest gratitude and admiration.”
