The 19th of August marks World Humanitarian Day (WHD), an annual observance of the United Nations (UN) for humanitarianism globally. For WHD 2024, the UN has dedicated the day to #ActForHumanity, a theme confronting the unacceptable trend of increasing normalisation of attacks on civilians, including humanitarians, and impunity under International Humanitarian Law (IHL). The aim this year is to build public support to help pressure parties to conflict and world leaders to take action to ensure the protection of civilians, including humanitarians, in conflict zones.

World Humanitarian Day is particularly significant to the Sovereign Order of Malta. Founded in Jerusalem in the 11th century, the Order of Malta is often considered as the oldest humanitarian organisation on earth. For over 900 years, the Order has a long history of service to the vulnerable and the sick. In recent decades, the Order’s work and aid for the victims of natural catastrophes and armed conflicts has intensified. Through the National Associations, including the Association in Romania (AROM), the Order’s volunteer corps, such as Serviciul de Ajutor Maltez in România (SAMR/Maltez), and the worldwide relief agency, Malteser International, the Order of Malta provides emergency medical and humanitarian aid around the clock globally. Today, the Order is active in 120 countries caring for people in need through our humanitarian work.

Day-to-day, the Order’s broad spectrum of social projects provides a constant support for forgotten or excluded members of society.

The Order is especially involved in helping people living in the midst of armed conflicts and natural disasters by providing medical assistance, caring for refugees, as well as distributing medicines and basic equipment for survival.  In Romania, the Order has been particularly active in the response to the full-scale war in Ukraine, providing assistance to displaced people and refugees. Across the world, remains wholly dedicated to the preservation of human dignity and the care of all those in need, regardless of their origin or religion.

• For more on World Humanitarian Day: https://2024.worldhumanitarianday.org
• For more on the Order’s humanitarian work: https://www.orderofmalta.int/humanitarian-medical-works
• For more on the national volunteer corps in Romania, Serviciul de Ajutor Maltez in România: https://maltez.ro

#ActForHumanity #WorldHumanitarianDay #OrderofMalta

*Caution is strongly recommended when considering proposals or appeals from organisations claiming to be the ‘Order of Malta’ or the ‘Order of Saint John’. Please have their authenticity confirmed by one of the Grand Priories, National Associations, or Diplomatic Missions. For a complete list of the Order’s official entities, please visit: https://www.orderofmalta.int/contacts