“We live in a world increasingly marked by countless attacks and violence against innocent people globally. This should never become the new normal, something we leave unchallenged. Humanitarian workers who risk their lives to save others are often the targets. We saw this last week in Central African Republic or in Syria countless times. (…) we pay tribute to and honour all those who risk their lives while bringing assistance to victims of wars and natural disasters worldwide. (…) Humanitarian workers should be able to operate freely, to help those that need it most.” Said  with a statement High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini and Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides ahead of World Humanitarian Day.

The statement also highlights the EU’s strong global humanitarian contribution. Last year, the EU provided €2.1 billion helping over 120 million people in over 80 countries around the world. This was the largest ever EU humanitarian aid budget to help those most in need. The full statement is available in all EU languages here. The Commission also helps those affected by crises both within and outside EU, such as for the ongoing forest fires in Europe.