President says world is failing to protect humanitarian workers

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on Wednesday said the world has become incapable of protecting humanitarian aid workers, despite their critical role in serving humanity.

In his message on the occasion of World Humanitarian Day, the President said the Maldives stands steadfast with humanitarian personnel around the world who continue their work at great personal risk.

He noted that the need for humanitarian assistance is rising due to conflict, displacement, hunger and climate-related disasters, adding that nowhere is the collapse of humanitarian protection more evident than in Gaza.

The President described the obstruction of humanitarian aid to Gaza, blockades and attacks on relief personnel as grave crimes in flagrant violation of international law. He strongly condemned these actions, reiterated the Maldives’ unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people, and called for an immediate and permanent end to the war.

He said the security of small states depends on an international system grounded in laws and rules applied equally to all. As a party to the Fourth Geneva Convention, the Maldives will remain committed to international humanitarian law and to ensuring the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers.

The President also called on all nations to respect humanitarian operations and uphold the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence.

Paying tribute to humanitarian personnel, he honoured those who risk, and often sacrifice, their lives in the service of humanity.

World Humanitarian Day is observed annually on August 19 to commemorate aid workers killed or injured in crisis zones and to recognise those who risk their lives to provide life-saving support.