LOC17:14
14:14 GMT
BRUSSELS, Aug 19 (KUNA) -- The European Union (EU) Monday paid tribute to humanitarian workers who risk their lives to deliver humanitarian aid worldwide.
Around 400 humanitarian workers have been victims of major attacks in 2018, making it the second worst year in history, said EU High Representative Federica Mogherini, and Christos Stylianides, EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid, in a joint statement to mark World Humanitarian Day.
Over one third of them were killed and the other third was kidnapped.
"World Humanitarian Day is an opportunity to honour these dedicated humanitarians, and to advocate for their safety and security," noted the EU statement.
"Violations of International Humanitarian Law continue to be one of the most critical challenges for the protection of civilians, as well as the protection of humanitarian and medical workers," it said.
In 2017, the EU mobilised more than 1.75 billion euro (USD 1.94 billion) for humanitarian aid operations in over 80 countries around the world, it added. (end)
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