World Humanitarian Day: Why Do We Act for Humanity?

This week marked World Humanitarian Day. This year, the day carries an even heavier weight as we mourn the loss of 280 humanitarians who lost their lives in 2023 — the deadliest year on record. And 2024 shows no signs of improvement, with 172 aid workers already killed as of early August.

We invite you to watch our short video where REACT Responders share their motivations to work as humanitarians and why they choose to act for humanity every day.

On the Ground 

In May 2024, REACT Responders deployed to deliver critical incident management training to people living and working close to the front line in Ukraine. This training focused on trauma medicine and included lifesaving medical skills that could mean the difference between life and death. As one local partner, Mariana Kashchak, CEO of the Ukrainian Education Platform, said:

‘You came when everyone else left. You believe in Ukraine and our survival. We thank you.​

When over 15,000 people were evacuated from Afghanistan to the UK in 2021,  REACT was there to meet them, providing essential support within 24 hours of the evacuation. Over the course of six weeks, 101 REACT volunteers were deployed, directly assisting over 8,300 evacuees. We also coordinated the distribution of 60 tonnes of aid and provided critical well-being and cultural support​.

To see the real-world impact of our efforts, explore our detailed case studies showcasing how REACT has responded to crises and made a difference in the lives of those affected.

Join Us: Stand With Humanitarians and the Communities They Serve

If this message resonates with you, there are several ways you can stand with humanitarians and the communities they serve:

1. Sign Up for Our Newsletter: Stay informed on our latest disaster response efforts and learn how you can help. Every bit of knowledge brings us closer to a more engaged and prepared world. Sign Up Now
2. Learn More About REACT: Discover how REACT is responding to crises and disasters in the UK and around the world. From conflict zones to natural disasters, learn about the tangible impact we’re making. Learn More
3. Become a Responder: Take your support to the next level by starting your training with us, and join our team of trained volunteers. Start Your Journey
4. Share Your Story: What motivates you to support humanitarian efforts? Share your experiences on our social media to help inspire others to take action.

Our Future Vision: What’s Next for REACT?

REACT is constantly evolving to meet the growing needs of the communities we serve. In the coming months, we will be expanding our training programs to empower even more local responders in high-risk areas, ensuring they have the skills needed to act quickly and effectively during crises. We invite you to be part of this journey.

Together, we can make a difference.