The Reader: Let’s honour the heroic effort of our aid workers

Humanitarian workers overcome unprecedented hurdles to assist people in crises — currently in 63 countries, nine of which have been catapulted into humanitarian need by the Covid-19 pandemic.

These real-life heroes are doing extraordinary things in extraordinary times to help women, men and children whose lives have been upended. Some aid workers are killed and injured in the course of their duties. Let us honour all aid and health staff who continue, despite the odds, to provide life-saving support and protection to people most in need.

Being a humanitarian means helping people who are suffering and saving lives any time, any place in the world. It means being responsible, and helping others without discrimination. Let us celebrate and appreciate all the aid workers doing extraordinary work, particularly during these tough times of Covid-19.
Handsen Chikowore

Dear Handsen

There’s a theory articulated by some that international aid fosters dependency and is therefore a mistake. But, like you, I take the opposite view and have great admiration for the lifesaving efforts of aid workers. I’ve seen them in action in countries from South Sudan to Afghanistan, where staff from Medair provided nutrition and clean water to vulnerable people. Many were children who would have died without their help.
Martin Bentham, Home Affairs Editor

Pigeon abuse is very upsetting to see. That these gentle, intelligent birds are subjected to relentless kicking, chasing and hatred is unacceptable. We are a nation of animal lovers, so let’s live up to that reputation and be kind to pigeons. They are, after all, our heroes of war. Their vital role as messengers contributed to many victories and saved lives.
Gillian Michaels