The Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development), today issued the following statement:
"On this World Humanitarian Day, Canada recognizes the courage, compassion and dedication of humanitarian workers who provide life-saving assistance to people affected by conflict, disasters and other crises around the world.
"They work in increasingly dangerous contexts. In 2025, 350 aid workers were killed in the line of duty, and many others were injured, kidnapped or detained.
"As humanitarian needs continue to rise globally, we must protect civilians, including humanitarian personnel, and ensure safe and unhindered access to life-saving assistance. World Humanitarian Day's theme of Act For Humanity underscores the urgent need to uphold international humanitarian law, which provides essential protections for civilians, humanitarian workers and civilian infrastructure during armed conflict.
"Yet in many crises, humanitarian workers and aid infrastructure are targeted, and warehouses, vehicles and convoys are damaged or destroyed. Humanitarian organizations are also increasingly facing the kidnapping, detention or arrest of their personnel. These acts place lives at risk, disrupt critical support for vulnerable populations and undermine international humanitarian law that protects humanitarian action and those carrying it out.
"As humanitarian workers and facilities face heightened violence and insecurity, respect for international humanitarian law is more critical than ever. All parties to conflict must comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law. Attacks that threaten the safety and security of humanitarian personnel must stop.
"Canada remains steadfast in its commitment to principled humanitarian action and to working with partners to uphold the safety, dignity and rights of people affected by crisis.
"In 2025, Canada provided more than $898 million in funding for humanitarian assistance through non-governmental organizations, the United Nations and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Despite increasingly complex and challenging operating environments, this support helped deliver life-saving assistance to vulnerable communities affected by emergencies in over 40 countries.
"Today, we honour humanitarian workers everywhere, including those who have lost their lives in the service of others. Their commitment in the face of immense challenges reminds us that even in the darkest moments, humanity endures. Canada will always stand with those who work tirelessly to deliver life-saving assistance and hope to people in crisis."
