Today, many peeople struggle to survive, leave their homelands and start a new life in different lands due to the reasons such as war, conflict, civil war, natural disaster, poverty, drought and epidemics.

In 2019 alone, 11 million people were compelled to leave their country and migrate to elsewhere. That is to say, each day of last year, more than 30,000 people migrated as a result of persecution and oppression. In 2019, the number of people living away from their hometown reached almost 80 million. While those who have migrated are struggling against numerous difficulties, those who stay try to survive such threats as starvation or being killed in war. As such, the importance of humanitarian aid is increasing day by day.

The inadequacy of the existing international aid systems and the endless humanitarian crises require "every state to shoulder responsibility and take an active part in finding a solution". From this viewpoint, in 2019, Turkey became the country with the highest amount of humanitarian aid being sent to people who suffer from conflict and persecution, as well as to those migrants it hosts within its borders. Turkey took on 26 percent of the total humanitarian aid by $ 7.6 billion. In this sense, our country showed an unprecedented sacrifice and took place on the side of the oppressed.

Today is WORLD HUMANITARIAN DAY. On this significant day, which is dedicated to commemorate those who work in the field of humanitarian aid and those who lost their lives for this cause; the way to honor those who lost their lives is through emphasizing the notion of “humanity” in the concept of humanitarian aid.

Without paying regard to any differentnesses; glorifying the law of brotherhood and sisterhood, in which people share their home, house and clothing with each other is the primary requirement of humanity. Aid, in the first definition that springs to mind, is to address the needs such as food and shelter. Today, as İMRA, we remark that humanitarian aid is more than this. We say that a smile on the face, a sincere greeting and a sincere welcome are included in humanitarian aid, as well.

Caressing the head of a child regardless of his or her ethnic origin, religion, language, race, political opinion is humanitarian aid. We say it is also humanitarian aid to be able to share one’s sorrow and be there for him or her.

We all need to develop empathy. Even a smile is a charity. We all must bear responsibility for this unjust suffering.

We must not forget the requirements of being human. No one should treat anyone in a way that they would not want to be treated. In this age, it is essential for those who can afford to provide moral and material support and for those who cannot afford to provide moral support.

Helping, whether materially or spiritually, does not take us back; on the contrary, it increases brotherhood and sisterhood, and makes our lives meaningful.

Within our campaign of awareness that we realize in cooperation with İMRA and Faith Municipality, we call on everyone;

Smiling is free! Speaking kindly is free! Inquiring after health is free! Empathy is free! Let's fulfill the requirements of being human every day… Remember, tomorrow we may need anything we withold today…