MADRID, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Spanish Government on Sunday paid tribute to humanitarian aid workers in commemoration of World Humanitarian day, which is celebrated on Aug. 19.
The Spanish government twitted: "THANKS to those who dedicate their lives in taking humanitarian air to those who live in conflict zones."
"They are attacked many times while carrying out their labor of solidarity by those who want to stop those who most need help getting it."
The Spanish Foreign Ministry 'tweeted' "today is World Humanitarian Day! An occasion to pay homage to all of those who dedicate their lives to those affected by emergencies."
Several non-government organizations also used the day to stress the need for humanitarian aid, with the charity 'World Vision Espana' highlighting the plight of children in East Africa, who need help as they flee from conflicts in the area.
The organization's 'Girls on the Move' report explains "children are escaping war and conflict to fall into other forms of violence and girls are especially vulnerable and in need of protection."
The charity 'Aldeas Infantiless SOS' also focused on the "high number of children who are fleeing unsupportable living conditions"
"This shows we need a stronger global commitment to protect vulnerable infants and guarantee them a better future," according to the organization's President, Pedro Puig.
Finally, Oxfam Intermon asked the Spanish government to raise its Official Aid Budget to 0.4 percent of basic national income from its current level of 0.17 percent.
Oxfam Intermon's General Director, Jose Maria Vega called the current level of spending "indignant," saying "it's not much to ask it to be raised to 0.4 percent, especially bearing in mind it was fixed at 0.7 percent almost half a century ago."
World Humanitarian Day (WHD) is celebrated every year on the same date to pay tribute to those who put themselves in danger to carry out humanitarian service, and to raise awareness of humanitarian crises around the world.
