“Every day, in the most dangerous conditions, humanitarian workers save lives, alleviate suffering and protect human dignity. They represent the best of our shared humanity,” Youssouf said in a statement.

He pointed out that the continent and the world at large face continued crises: protracted conflicts, growing climate emergency, food insecurity, reduction of humanitarian resources and increasing pressure on the multilateral system.

Youssouf warned that these converging challenges exacerbate vulnerabilities and test the limits of our collective response.

In this regard, he called for renewed global solidarity, strengthened multilateral partnerships and predictable and sustainable investments in resilience, prevention and peace.

“Humanitarian action must be backed by political will, grounded in international humanitarian law and complemented by efforts to address the deep causes of crises,” he added.

On this day of reflection and renewed commitment, he said that the African Union stands in solidarity with humanitarian players around the world.

Protecting life and dignity is not just a collective responsibility, but the moral imperative of our time, he concluded.

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