WORLD HUMANITARIAN DAY MESSAGE 2014

 

Today, Cuso International joins the humanitarian community in its celebration of World Humanitarian Day. 

 

Today, we acknowledge with gratitude the commitment and the sacrifices of those who serve in some very difficult and challenging situations around the world. We hold in high esteem the spirit that inspires that commitment – a spirit driven by hope, fueled by compassion, and moved by a genuine desire to see all people afforded the basic human dignity to which we are all entitled but so few enjoy.

 

Today, we also commemorate the lives that have been lost by those committed to making the lives of other better. Tragically, we have had volunteers who have lost their lives while overseas with Cuso International. We remember with gratitude their service, their sacrifice and their selflessness.

 

Today, we also take time to extend our appreciation to our current staff and volunteers, working in more than 20 countries throughout Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. The work that they are doing through and with our local counterparts is bringing us closer to our vision of a world where all people are able to realize their potential, develop their skills and participate fully in society. 

 

Although traditionally a day for humanitarian organizations, we are participating because in so many countries and contexts, aid and development are working simultaneously. We believe that the commitment to making lives better, be it in the short-term (aid) or the long-term (development), is inspired by similar ideals. Our staff and volunteers face many of the same risks and hardships as our humanitarian colleagues, and they do so out of the spotlight, with humility, and quiet perseverance. The sacrifices they make do not go unnoticed by us.

 

To all who make the work that we do possible, especially our staff and our volunteers – today, we say a very big thank you. Keep up the excellent work.