President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has called for greater protection and a safe, enabling environment for humanitarian aid workers, stressing both their vital role in bringing relief to vulnerable populations and the intrinsic dignity and value of every human life they strive to protect.

In a message released on the occasion of World Humanitarian Day today, the President said the Maldives stands in solidarity with humanitarian personnel working in conflict zones and disaster-hit regions worldwide. He highlighted their sacrifices as a force for global peace and justice and underscored the urgent need to safeguard them while ensuring aid reaches those most in need.

The President made particular reference to aid providers in Gaza, condemning Israel’s obstruction of humanitarian assistance to the enclave. He urged the international community to take immediate steps to ensure sufficient aid reaches the Palestinian population, reaffirming that every human life deserves protection, respect, and the chance to live with dignity.

This year’s World Humanitarian Day is observed under the theme Act for Humanity, which emphasises the need to address financial shortfalls, rising burdens on aid systems, and escalating attacks on aid workers.

According to the United Nations, 380 humanitarian workers were killed in 2024 alone, with hundreds more detained or subjected to ill-treatment, highlighting the ongoing risks faced by those dedicated to preserving human life and dignity.

World Humanitarian Day was established by the UN General Assembly in 2008 and coincides with the anniversary of the 2003 Canal Hotel bombing in Baghdad, which claimed the lives of 22 humanitarian workers.