Aid workers operate in places that are often remote, difficult and hostile. They risk their lives to help others. Many have lost colleagues or loved ones.

Over the past years humanitarian work has become more dangerous. The level of threats and number of deliberate attacks on aid organizations – our people, equipment and facilities – has risen dramatically. In 2010, 242 aid workers were killed, injured or kidnapped.

On 19 August 2003, a bomb was detonated at the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq, killing 22 people. World Humanitarian Day is held on the anniversary of the attack.

To hear the story of an aid worker held captive for 317 days - click here