Zur Hauptnavigation springen Zur Suche springen Zum Seiteninhalt springen Zum Footer springen
© Abubakr / Welthungerhilfe
#ActForHumanity
They help where others are forced to flee. Where people’s livelihoods are threatened, they help them find new opportunities. Where war, violence, and disasters put people’s lives at risk, they put their own lives on the line to provide aid.
© Abubakr / Welthungerhilfe
On World Humanitarian Day, we turn our attention specifically to those who are on the front lines when aid is needed under the most difficult conditions: the aid workers in humanitarian projects around the world. Without them, aid would not reach the places where it is most urgently needed. Without them, people facing crises and disasters would more often be left to fend for themselves. Without them, humanitarian aid would not be possible.
And they often risk their own lives in the process. They work in crisis zones where violence and insecurity are part of everyday life. Their dedication cannot be taken for granted—it is a sign of courage, solidarity, and humanity.
When we share stories from humanitarian projects, we must also include the stories of those who make these projects possible in the first place—often under the most difficult conditions and with the greatest possible personal dedication. One such story is that of our colleague Hamad, who lost his life:
Hamad was born in 1973 in the village of Sayli, northeast of El Fasher in North Darfur. He grew up in a community where solidarity and mutual support played an important role. This strong sense of connection to the people around him stayed with him throughout his life.
© Welthungerhilfe
After finishing school, Hamad studied agriculture at the University of Zalingei and later obtained a master’s degree from the University of Khartoum, specialising in horticulture. Agriculture was much more than a profession to him. He had a particular interest in horticulture and new farming approaches such as hydroponics, while at the same time remaining closely involved in traditional community-based farming practices such as “Nafeer”, where people work together to cultivate the land.
His professional path first took him into the public agricultural sector and later to German Agro Action, now Welthungerhilfe. Supporting other people was an important part of how he understood his work and his role in the community.
His wife, daughter, and brother remember him as someone who always tried to be there for others, particularly for those who needed support most. Hamad was a calm and humble person. He was generous, sincere and known for his warm smile. He stayed closely connected to his family and neighbours, regularly checked in on them and was always ready to lend a helping hand. It is this everyday care for others that his family particularly remembers.
© Welthungerhilfe
Hamad was a major source of support for them. As one of eight children, he remained closely connected to his extended family. His wife describes him as a loving husband who gave her a sense of safety and comfort. His death has left a gap that cannot be filled. Hamad himself was a modest man, but the impact he had on others was significant.
© Welthungerhilfe
During the final months of his life, Hamad worked alongside his colleagues Ibrahim, Ayoub and Mohamed in El Fasher. At the time, the situation in the city was extremely difficult. Insecurity was increasing, economic conditions were deteriorating, prices were rising and many basic goods were becoming scarce. Risk had become part of everyday life.
Despite these circumstances, the colleagues remained together as a team. In their small office, they were united by a common purpose: to continue their work and support people affected by the conflict.
What they remember most was his calmness. Even in particularly difficult moments, Hamad conveyed a sense of reassurance and tried to give confidence to those around him. He was kind, generous and almost always had a smile on his face. Whenever tensions increased, he was someone who brought calm to the team.
Hamad was killed while fleeing the besieged city of El Fasher.
He was well aware of the dangers in El Fasher. His family was worried about him and encouraged him to leave the city. Yet it was important to him to remain close to the people with whom he lived and for whom he worked. His colleagues remember this as an expression of his strong sense of responsibility, his connection to the community and his personal courage.
Through his character, his work, and his support for those around him, Hamad touched many lives. What remains are his family’s memories, the values he lived by, and the good he did for others.
© Welthungerhilfe
For me, Hamad was not simply a member of the field team; he was a colleague whose work and contribution were an important part of our humanitarian response.
Denis Drichi, Emergency Coordinator, Sudan
© Welthungerhilfe
For me, Hamad was not simply a member of the field team; he was a colleague whose work and contribution were an important part of our humanitarian response.
Denis Drichi, Emergency Coordinator, Sudan
© Abubakr / Welthungerhilfe
Those who have stepped forward to alleviate suffering are increasingly exposed to violence, threats, and reprisals. In 2025, the UN recorded over 900 attacks on humanitarian aid workers, including 125 kidnappings and 383 fatalities. The people who rush to help when lives are in danger are increasingly becoming targets themselves.
Behind these numbers are the people who make humanitarian aid possible in the first place. Most of them are local staff members. They know the people, the places, and the challenges.
Humanitarian aid depends on the people who make it possible. Today, we extend our special attention and gratitude to those who work every day to help their fellow human beings.
But appreciation alone is not enough: Humanitarian workers must be protected so they can carry out their vital work safely. After all, those who stand by others in their greatest hour of need must not become targets themselves!
Hamad’s story exemplifies the courage and dedication of the many people who provide humanitarian aid in Sudan day after day. Their work continues, because it is urgently needed.
In 2025, we were able to achieve a lot with your help
WHH stands for transparency and quality, as well as the economical and targeted use of donations and verified information. For this reason, the German Central Institute for Social Issues (DZI) has awarded us the donation seal of approval. We use your donation in a targeted and responsible manner. If we receive more donations than required for a project, we will fund other WHH projects needing funding.
Deutsche Welthungerhilfe e. V.
Sparkasse KölnBonn
IBAN DE15 3705 0198 0000 0011 15
BIC COLSDE33
Welthungerhilfe has been holding the DZI seal of approval for donations since 1992. The seal certifies that Welthungerhilfe is handling the funds entrusted to it efficiently and responsibly.
