WHAT: World Humanitarian Day Celebration

WHO: The African Union (AU)-in collaboration with Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Liaison Office to the AU-is organizing an event at the African Union Headquarters to commemorate women humanitarian workers who have dedicated their lives to assist victims of conflicts and disasters in Africa.

• Statement of H.E. Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Delivered by H.E Amb. Minata Samate Cessouma, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs

• Remarks by Representative of the African Union Champion for the AU Theme of the Year 2019, The Year of Refugees, Returnees and Internally Displaced Persons: Towards Durable Solutions to forced Displacement in Africa;

WHEN: 19th August, 2019

WHERE: AU Headquarters,Addis Ababa-Ethipia

TIME : 3 to 5 PM

WHY: The 2019 WHD will be strategically used to call on all AU member states to commit to their obligation to address the root causes of forced displacement in Africa and their responsibility to protect and assist IDPs and refugees in keeping with internationally agreed principles. 2019 marks the African Union Year of refugees, returnees and internally displaced persons- Towards durable solutions to forced displacement in Africa.

OBJECTIVES OF THE WORKSHOP
The overall goal of the Validation Workshop is for the research report to be reviewed by AU Member States and other stakeholders, and validated for adoption as an Africa Union document.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES
1. Increased awareness of World Humanitarian Day and improved appreciation of the significant role of women humanitarians;
2. Specific challenges #women humanitarian face spotlighted;
3. Political commitment to gender inclusion, protection in humanitarian action and empowerment of women humanitarians strengthened and
4. Improved support for humanitarian action galvanized.

PARTICIPANTS :
This event is expected to bring together representatives of all AU member states and Private sector

Journalists are invited to cover the event.

The draft concept and programme are also attached:

For media enquires contact:

Esther Azaa Tankou, Head of Information Division, +2519113611, e-mail yamboue@africaunion.org

Mr.Stephen Kwaku Darko| Information and Communications Officer, Directorate of Information and Communication, African Union Commission | Tel: +251(0) 953406832 | E-mail: DarkoS@africa-union.org