19 August 2015 - Some 29 aid workers had been killed since South Sudan’s conflict began in 2013 and many more were missing, the UN’s top humanitarian official in the country said today in Juba.

“As we recall the tragic losses of our colleagues here in South Sudan and around the world, let us increase our resolve to continue the work to which they gave their lives," Humanitarian Coordinator Eugene Owusu said, speaking at an event to mark World Humanitarian Day.

“Sadly far too many humanitarian workers have made the ultimate sacrifice in the efforts to alleviate human suffering and to help others in need,” said Mr. Owusu, who also serves as UNMISS Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General.

He said the South Sudanese conflict had caused immense suffering and the loss of millions of civilians. More than 2.2 million people had fled their homes, about 1.6 million were internally displaced and more than 616,000, mainly women and children, had fled as refugees to Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan and Uganda.

“As a result of the conflict, thousands of people have had to walk for days through harsh conditions looking for safety and shelter,” the Humanitarian Coordinator said. “Many have lost their homes, their family and their crops.”

Mr. Owusu shared the story of a 50-year-old, blind man named Bernard, who was driven from his home when conflict erupted between cattle keepers and farmers in Maridi, Western Equatoria. Helped by his wife and son, he ran through the bush for several hours. Bernard now lives in the open under a mango tree in the bush.

World Humanitarian Day provides an opportunity to recognize that each one of us can make a difference in the lives of others, Mr. Owusu said. “In this spirit, I would like to recognize and celebrate the achievements of humanitarian aid workers around the world in general and in South Sudan in particular.”

He added that humanitarian challenges were myriad and humanitarians more needed than ever.

"World Humanitarian Day is also an important vehicle to raise public awareness of the critical role played by aid workers in providing protection and life-saving assistance to millions of people affected by conflict and disasters worldwide, and helping them to rebuild their lives."

People around the world are holding commemorative events to mark World Humanitarian Day, which this year has the theme "Inspiring the World’s Humanity.”

In 2008, the UN General Assembly designated August 19 as World Humanitarian Day in honour of 22 people who lost their lives in the bombing of UN headquarters in Baghdad on 19 August 2003. It highlights the vital and often dangerous work conducted worldwide by aid workers.