MISSISSAUGA, Ont. (Aug. 19, 2009)—Today marks the first World Humanitarian Day when the international community will recognize the ongoing work and challenges facing aid workers. World Vision pays tribute to our staff and others who have lost their lives responding to emergencies and promoting the humanitarian cause.
 
In the last decade more than 700 aid workers have paid the ultimate price for their courage and compassion. Countless more continue to work in treacherous situations and have endured bombing, kidnapping, hijacking, robbery and violence.

“More than 40,000 people work for World Vision across six continents and in nearly 100 countries,” said Dave Toycen, President and CEO of World Vision Canada. “Today marks a time when we can reflect and be grateful for our staff and their families who at times make incredible sacrifices in order to serve the poor.”

Many aid workers are not caught in the crossfire of conflict but are deliberately targeted. Violence is a real threat confronting many of World Vision’s staff every day. The last year has seen a record number of security incidents including attacks on staff, as well as on those whom we serve.

The challenges facing World Vision’s aid efforts are formidable. Natural disasters are becoming more severe and conflicts intractable. Tens of millions have been forcibly displaced from their homes. Global trends of climate change, food and financial crises, along with water and energy shortages and health pandemics all increase the vulnerability of communities to disasters.

World Vision continues to work on all these fronts. We have dedicated emergency funds, infrastructure and systems in place. But it remains nothing without the incredible commitment of people, starting with the first responders in any emergency.

“Responding to the plight of the poor would be impossible without thousands of staff from every country that World Vision works in and the support from Canadians who make this possible through donations and other support. We are so grateful for staff who work diligently with children in their communities to push through poverty and build stronger futures for themselves,” Toycen said.

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Notes to the editor:

• In Somalia between January and August 2008, there were 99 direct attacks on humanitarian agencies which led to 24 deaths, including one World Vision staff member and 22 kidnappings. In Darfur between January and June 2008, 10 aid workers were killed, 164 vehicles hijacked, 147 people were kidnapped and 74 assaults took place on humanitarian premises.
  
  
• The day is designated by the UN’s General Assembly and recalls the same date, six years ago, when Sergio Vieira de Mello, the UN’s High Commissioner for Human Rights was killed by a bomb attack on the UN’s office in Iraq. Vieira de Mello was tragically killed, with 21 of his colleagues, when a truck packed with explosives was driven into the UN building.
  
  
• World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.

To interview World Vision staff, please contact:

Yoko Kobayashi
905-565-6200 ext. 2151
416-671-0086 (cell)
yoko_kobayashi@WorldVision.ca

Alex Sancton
905-565-6200 ext. 3949
416-419-1321 (cell)
alex_sancton@WorldVision.ca