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United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has issued the following message for the World Humanitarian Day.

“On World Humanitarian Day, we renew our commitment to life-saving relief efforts -- and we remember all those who died serving this noble cause.

Last year, more humanitarian workers were kidnapped, seriously injured or killed than ever before. This is an outrage.

In recent weeks, dozens of humanitarians -- including members of the UN family -- have lost their lives in South Sudan and Gaza. Too many people have died or suffered from deliberate attacks.

Humanitarian workers and their families are hit hardest by these crimes.

But they are also felt by millions of others.

Attacks on humanitarian workers hinder the ability of people in desperate need to receive lifesaving assistance.

Children go unvaccinated. Sick and wounded patients go untreated. Those forced from their homes are left without food, water or shelter – exposed to violence, disease or other threats.

On World Humanitarian Day, we honour the heroic aid workers who rush bravely to help people in need.

We remember their sacrifices, and we recognize the millions of people who count on humanitarian workers for their very survival.

Let us honour the fallen by protecting those who carry on their work – and supporting humanitarian relief operations worldwide.”