Staff of the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in Bulgaria marked the first World Humanitarian Day on August 19 2009  by holding a minute of silence for all humanitarians who lost their lives and to honour the memories of the three UNHCR staff killed this year in Pakistan.
 
The UN General Assembly decided in December 2008 that World Humanitarian Day should be marked on August 19 every year "to raise public awareness about humanitarian assistance activities worldwide and about the need for co-operation and solidarity among people," the UNHCR in Sofia said in a statement.
 
"One person’s suffering is everyone’s responsibility," the statement quoted UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in a televised address to mark the day.
 
UN High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres said in a newspaper article earlier in August: "How do we meet the life-or-death needs of the world’s most vulnerable people while making sure those who provide that help are kept safe?"
 
"Our ability to assist those who need it most is being severely tested by the shrinkage of the so-called ‘humanitarian space’ in which we must work. The nature of conflict is changing, with a multiplicity of armed groups - some of whom view humanitarians as legitimate targets," he said.
 
World Health Organisation Director-General Margaret Chan said: "As the number of emergencies continues to increase, we must remain steadfast in our determination to help – to be quickly on the scene in the growing number of ‘hot spots’ around the world.
 
"We have a humanitarian imperative, supported by clear codes of conduct, to extend help to those who have been displaced, or injured, or need food, water, shelter, comfort and essential medical care."
 
She said that WHo reaffirmed its commitment on World Humanitarian Day to lead international and national responses to the health component of emergencies through the "Health Cluster" approach, uniting a diversity of skills and capacities from many partners.
 
"In doing so, we will continue to look for ways to streamline and better coordinate activities under demanding conditions," Chan said.
 
In its statement, the European Union, noting that the day aims to honour humanitarian workers who have lost their lives or been injured in the course of their work, said that the European Commission, through its Humanitarian Aid department (ECHO), had staff permanently present in crisis spots around the world.
 
ECHO works closely with partner relief organisations like specialised UN agencies, the Red Cross/Red Crescent movement and non-governmental organisations.
 
Together they ensured the delivery of relief to civilian populations throughout the world in an "impartial and non-discriminatory way," the EU said.
 
"But humanitarian access and the security of relief workers is increasingly at risk," the EU statement said.
 
Karel De Gucht, European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, said: "World Humanitarian Day is an opportunity to honour the fallen humanitarian heroes - those who have lost their lives in humanitarian service. It is also a chance to acknowledge the vital work of our humanitarian staff in often harsh conditions and to draw attention to the urgent humanitarian needs worldwide, whether in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Sudan or one of the many other crisis zones."
 
He said: "My message is simple: Don't harm civilians and the humanitarian aid workers who try to help them. The principles and values of humanitarian aid – humanity, independence, neutrality and impartiality – should protect relief workers and enable them to operate freely to tackle suffering around the world."
 
In 2007, the European Parliament, EU member states and the European Commission adopted the Consensus to defend the principles of humanitarian intervention and the rights of the victims.
 
This focuses on ways of enabling humanitarian professionals to carry out their work, assisting millions of people around the world who rely on European solidarity in times of need. It also highlights the importance of protecting the humanitarian space.
 
"The partnership between the UN and the EC is a key component of the global humanitarian system. The EU and UN will continue working together to ensure the humanitarian space is respected," the EU said.