Somalia, UN pay tribute to aid workers facing heightened risks

Somalia, the United Nations (UN) and their partners on Wednesday marked World Humanitarian Day by paying tribute to the dedication and courage of aid workers across the country.



In a joint statement issued in Mogadishu, the Somali government and UN agencies called for greater protection of humanitarian workers and accountability for attacks, threats and obstructions that prevent life-saving aid from reaching those in need.



"On this World Humanitarian Day, I pay tribute to the dedication and courage of humanitarian workers across Somalia, particularly Somali aid workers and local responders who form the backbone of the humanitarian response," said George Conway, deputy special representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia.



According to the UN, this year's global theme, "Act for Humanity," comes as humanitarian workers worldwide face escalating threats, including loss of life, illegal detention, and denied access to communities affected by conflict, disasters and other crises.