The declaration was signed on Sunday at the North Lawn of the United Nations Headquarters in Manhattan, New York. It was initiated by the Ministerial Group for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, which consists of nine countries: Australia, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Sierra Leone, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
So far, 104 countries, including Indonesia, have endorsed the initiative.
In his remarks, Foreign Minister Sugiono underlined the urgency of ensuring accountability for attacks on humanitarian workers in conflict zones.
“We must commit to its full and effective implementation. We must also work hand in hand to ensure accountability and to stop impunity and double standards. And Indonesia stands ready to contribute, and we count on you to join us in this very important endeavour,” he said.
Sugiono highlighted the rising number of humanitarian workers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. He cited the situation in Gaza, where more than one in every 50 UNRWA staff members has been killed.
This marks the highest loss of UN personnel in history. Global figures also show that such incidents are not declining, he added.
“These figures are not mere statistics. Each and every fallen humanitarian worker was more than just a name. They were extraordinary individuals who gave their lives in the service of humanity,” he emphasized.
“Their sacrifice reminds us that humanitarian work is not only noble but also perilous. It calls upon us to reaffirm our collective responsibility to protect those who protect humanity and to uphold and respect international law,” the minister said.
The declaration outlines four key commitments: upholding International Humanitarian Law, facilitating humanitarian access, coordinating protection measures across international, national, and local levels, and enforcing accountability for violations against humanitarian workers.
The initiative also seeks to strengthen protections for Indonesian nationals serving in UN agencies and humanitarian organizations in Gaza, Sudan, and other conflict areas.
At the close of the event, Sugiono and other foreign ministers signed the joint declaration.
The declaration will be deposited with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and remain open for signature by all UN member states. Its implementation will be overseen by the Group of Friends on the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, based in Geneva.
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Reporter: Kuntum Khaira Riswan
Editor: Primayanti
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