Like many all over the world, we were shocked and appalled by the murder of journalist James Wright Foley on August 19, 2014.

His efforts to ensure the stories of the world’s poor and vulnerable were being told will continue to serve as an inspiration.

It was a cruel irony that the video of his death was released on World Humanitarian Day, a moment for the world community to pay respect for those risking their lives to help vulnerable populations around the world.

It’s an issue that does not get enough coverage.

Last year, 2013, was the most dangerous on record for humanitarian workerswith 155 killed, 171 seriously wounded and 134 kidnapped. It was a similarly dangerous year for journalists and media staff who suffered 123 deaths according to the International Federation of Journalists.

“Humanitarians continue to be relied upon to provide crucial life-saving aid amidst extremely difficult and stressful circumstances,”says Barbara Jackson, Humanitarian Director for CARE International, “The risks these people face are substantial – death, injuries, kidnapping. It’s absolutely essential that all parties respect the impartiality of aid workers so we can continue to help those most in need.”

The risks humanitarians and journalists like James Foley take every day to try and create a better, more peaceful world are a stark reminder of the urgency needed to make lasting change to the systems that keep people poor.

As we continue to work toward our goal of ending extreme poverty by 2030, we will do all that we can to ensure that their sacrifices are not forgotten.

The Global Citizen Team

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The Rory Peck Trust is an organization dedicating to protecting freelance journalists like James Foley. Freelancers often lack the resources that larger news organizations can provide for their journalists so the services they provide are vital.

If you feel inclined to donate or to learn more, more information about the Trust can be found here.

We've also posted a video above of a talk James gave to the Medill School of Journalism in 2011. In it, he recounts his experience from a recent kidnapping in Libya and discusses why he felt inspired to keep putting his life on the line.