DUSHANBE, August 19, 2009, Asia-Plus  -- Established by the General Assembly (GA) of the United Nations in December 2008, August 19, 2009 is the first World Humanitarian Day, according to press release issued by the United Nations today.

The designation of the Day is a way to increase public understanding of humanitarian assistance activities worldwide.  The Day also aims to honor humanitarian workers who have lost their lives or been injured in the course of their work.

The General Assembly invites all countries, the entities of the UN system and international and non-governmental organizations to observe the day annually in an appropriate manner.

Why August 19? - Six years ago, on August 19, 2003, the United Nations Office in Iraq was bombed and 22 people lost their lives.  Among them was Sergio Vieira de Mello, at that time the UN''s High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to Iraq. While there have been many other fatal incidents involving humanitarian personnel the General Assembly decided to use the anniversary of this incident as World Humanitarian Day.

For 2009 the Day has three areas of focus: to draw attention to humanitarian needs worldwide; to acknowledge the ongoing work of humanitarian staff around the globe; and to honor those who have lost their lives in humanitarian service.