Numerous disasters and increasing conflict are negatively impacting the lives of millions of people across the Middle East and North Africa. In response, innumerable individuals, volunteers and professional humanitarian workers are providing those in need with essential protection and assistance, often under dangerous circumstances.
To capture this Spirit of Humanity, the World Humanitarian Summit launched its first photo contest.
The response was overwhelming and we received more 459 images from all over the region. Many of the pictures showed the hardship of daily life and the suffering of children, men and women living in conflict zones or refugee camps. But despite the misery and the constant fear, the photographers managed to catch glimpses of hope and moments of joy. Children playing in a pool created when a barrel bomb damaged a water pipe or a couple exchanging their wedding vows in a location where more than 20 people were killed by a bomb as a way of remembering the victims are just a few examples of the touching stories that those photographs documented.
The most inspiring photographs were selected by a jury composed of humanitarian and photography professionals. Many thanks to everyone who participated and congratulations to the winners – Islam Mardini from Aleppo and Mohammed Muhaisen from Gaza.
They say pictures are worth a thousand words: Have a look at the best entries of the contest:
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