The General Assembly designates 19th August as World Humanitarian Day,  to honor and celebrate the work of humanitarian workers.

This year’s focus is on the actual work and achievements of humanitarian workers in the field. This year’s theme is “We are humanitarian workers”. It also serves as an occasion to remember and honor those who have lost their lives while helping others. A total of 102 humanitarian workers died while doing their jobs in 2009.

Humanitarian workers are forgotten heroes, without whom there wouldn’t be any humanitarian assistance. Not only do they work in the worst places of the world, in extreme temperatures (high frost, extremely hot countries), threatened by diseases but in dangerous places as well where they risk their lives to help the destitute, the victims of wars or natural catastrophes, whatever their race, nationality, religious or political beliefs – with total neutrality.

Humanitarian Principles represent the foundation of humanitarian action. Key humanitarian principles include:

Humanity: Human suffering must be addressed wherever it is found. The purpose of humanitarian action is to protect life and health and ensure respect for human beings.

Neutrality: Humanitarian actors must not take sides in hostilities or engage in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.

Impartiality: Humanitarian action must be carried out on the basis of need alone, giving priority to the most urgent cases of distress and making no distinctions on the basis of nationality, race, gender, religious belief, class or political opinion.

Operational Independence: Humanitarian action must be autonomous from the political, economic, military or other objectives that any actor may hold with regard to areas where humanitarian action is being implemented”.

Click here to view an incredible video of the project:

World Humanitarian Day Project

Thank you to all who help others in this world,

Kristen

Today’s picture post from Cambodia is a very special one. It involves YOU.

Won’t you lend a helping hand to build a school in Cambodia? Can you donate $10 to Passports with Purpose, a group of bloggers who believe in the power of travel to create change. (See New York Times article here.)

Not only will your contribution help raise the money to build a school in the very poor region of Preah Vihar, but will also provide a nurses salary, a vegetable garden, and clean water for the school. According to Lonely Planet, this area remains “desperately poor” due to the hold by the Khmer Rouge until 1998.

To see a list of the fabulous prizes you could win by donating, click here.

Happy Holidays, everyone.  Give a hand.

Kristen

What a week it’s been! What with everyone stressing out over swine flu and the media feeding the paranoia, what are we to do?

I say everyone needs to chill out, put your trust in Our Lady of the Bean, and relax and enjoy a cuppa.

Oh, and don’t forget to wash your hands!

Adventure on,

Kristen

(For more great photos, check out DeliciousBaby’s Photo Friday post.)