© Didier Weber
22 UN humanitarian aid workers lost their lives in 2003 following an explosion in Baghdad. To mark the 20th anniversary of their deaths, Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs Franz Fayot provided an update on Luxembourg's humanitarian actions.
World Humanitarian Day was launched on 19 August to recognise humanitarian engagement and remember the work of those lost during their mission.
According to current estimates, some 363 million people are dependent on humanitarian aid - representing a rising trend and setting a new record. The situation has been intensified by conflict, climate change and geopolitical issues.
Fayot detailed Luxembourg's current activities within the field. The Grand Duchy currently contributes to humanitarian missions in 27 countries, including Ukraine. Some 12 million euros of aid have already been provided, in addition to 8 million euros in the form of supplies and technical support.
Earlier this year, Luxembourg also contributed to helping survivors of the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, which left over 50,000 dead. At present there is the ongoing crisis in the Sahel region, while Luxembourg aid has been placed on hold due to the coup in Niger. However, it is expected to be reactivated in the future.
Fayot said the Grand Duchy's continued participation in humanitarian aid was vital. "For us it's a question of human solidarity. It also helps us to show leadership in the international community, as Luxembourg is looked upon as a nation that leads by example. But I personally think it's mostly about solidarity."
In recent years, Luxembourg has also made a name for itself with the "emergency.lu" initiative, which offers a satellite-controlled communication system to respond quickly to natural disasters and other humanitarian efforts.
The Grand Duchy remains committed to continuing to allocate at least 15% of its development aid budget to humanitarian aid.
Luxembourg also holds the OCHA presidency, or the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, until summer 2024, in order to mobilise more funds for humanitarian aid worldwide. Fayot announced an additional contribution of 250,000 euros to OCHA, bringing Luxembourg's total contribution to 10.4 million euros for the year 2023.
Report in Luxembourgish:
