President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Monday called for international measures to protect humanitarian workers, citing escalating threats and rising casualties in conflict zones. His remarks, issued in observance of World Humanitarian Day, underscored the critical need to ensure both the safety and operational independence of aid personnel worldwide.
In a statement shared via social media, President Muizzu praised the bravery of humanitarian workers serving in war-torn and disaster-stricken regions. He described their efforts as essential to the advancement of peace and justice, and reaffirmed the Maldives’ solidarity with those who risk their lives to deliver assistance to vulnerable populations.
“On this #WorldHumanitarianDay, the Maldives reaffirms its solidarity with humanitarian workers worldwide who courageously deliver hope and aid to those affected by conflict and crisis,” the president stated.
The president’s comments come amid growing concern over the increasing dangers faced by aid workers. According to the United Nations, 380 humanitarian personnel were killed in the past year, while hundreds more were abducted, arrested or subjected to torture. President Muizzu underscored the imperative of creating a secure and enabling environment to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian assistance.
He drew particular attention to the situation in Gaza, Palestine, where the Maldives has voiced strong opposition to the obstruction of aid. The government has condemned the actions of the occupational Zionist state of Israel and called on international actors to exert pressure to guarantee sufficient aid access.
“Today, we pay our earnest tribute to the selfless humanitarian workers in Gaza and across the globe, whose sacrifice embodies the true spirit of humanity and inspires global efforts towards peace and justice,” the president stated. “It is imperative to ensure their protection to operate safely and independently, enabling the uninterrupted delivery of essential aid to vulnerable populations.”
World Humanitarian Day, observed annually on 19 August, was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2008 to honour the victims of the 2003 bombing of the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq, which claimed the lives of 22 humanitarian workers. The day serves as a global tribute to humanitarian personnel and a call to action for their protection.
This year’s theme, “Strengthening Global Solidarity and Empowering Local Communities,” highlights the importance of recognising local actors not merely as recipients of aid, but as leaders in humanitarian response. The theme reflects a growing emphasis on community-led solutions and inclusive engagement in global humanitarian efforts.