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MEMORIAL FOR

HUMANITARIAN AID WORKERS​

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Humanitarian Memorial Event

​In commemoration of World Humanitarian Day in 2014, a group of volunteers organised the first event in the UK to celebrate and remember humanitarian workers – from the UK and around the world.  This non-religious, international event took place within the grounds of Westminster Abbey at the Memorial for Innocent Victims.  It has continued to be held there each year while the search for a permanent site for a memorial goes on.  The event has continued to grow in prominence and significance, with many hundreds of individuals attending over the years, underscoring the need to secure a dedicated site for a permanent memorial. Westminster Abbey has also taken to generously dedicating the Evensong service on the appropriate day to humanitarians and humanitarianism, with special prayers and, on occasion, a modest reception hosted in the Abbey Museum – accessed through the cloisters.   All are welcome – of any faith or none, and any nationality.

The memorial event seeks to honour those who died in the service of humanitarianism, to recognise our common humanitarian ideals and to celebrate the spirit that inspires humanitarian action around the globe. The event is for families, friends, colleagues and organisations to honour those who lost their lives in humanitarian action.

If you would like to attend the memorial this year, please email memorial@odi.org.uk and provide us with your contact information so that we can send you a personal invitation.