Belgium salutes the efforts of women on World Humanitarian Day

On Monday August 19th, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Development Cooperation Alexander De Croo and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Didier Reynders will celebrate World Humanitarian Day. This year, August 19 honors women humanitarians from around the world who rally to help people affected by crises.

While everyone suffers in crises, women and girls are more likely to experience unique risks. All forms of gender-based violence against women and girls spike during disasters and conflict. But women and girls are far more than victims of a crisis. Didier Reynders is convinced: “If we want lasting peace, we need women and women’s organizations to participate actively. They are vital to the recovery and resilience of their community.” Minister Reynders and De Croo salute the efforts of women in humanitarian response who dedicate their lives to save others and call for the need to protection by international law for all, man and women.

As a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC) in New York, Belgium focuses on peace and consensus. The humanitarian aspects of the many crises around the world are an important issue to the Belgian membership. In line with this concern, our country remains committed to advocating for the respect of humanitarian principles and international humanitarian law, with a particular attention for issues such as access, protection of humanitarian workers and respect for infrastructure and medical staff.

“Belgium is a modern partner willing to contribute to innovative solutions and increase the impact and effectiveness of humanitarian actions. In order to save more lives, humanitarian aid must be more innovative.”, says Alexander De Croo. That is why Belgian humanitarian aid strives to be more inclusive. Our country makes sure that more vulnerable groups, such as women, are getting the help they need.

In 2018, Belgian humanitarian aid amounted to a record budget of 170 million euros.