UNGA81| Fiji Reaffirms Commitment to Protection of Humanitarian Personnel

Fiji joined Leaders and representatives of States that have endorsed the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel at the inaugural High-Level Meeting of Signatories, convened on the margins of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week in New York.

Chaired by Australia and Jordan, the meeting provided an opportunity for Signatories to reaffirm their commitment to the protection of humanitarian personnel and to discuss practical measures to advance the implementation of the Declaration.

The meeting opened with a solemn moment of silence in remembrance of humanitarian workers who have lost their lives while carrying out life-saving work in conflict and crisis situations around the world. Fiji joined the Declaration in 2025, reaffirming its commitment to the protection of humanitarian personnel and the principles of international humanitarian law.

Delivering Fiji’s statement, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Honourable Sakiasi Ditoka, emphasised the importance of upholding international humanitarian law and ensuring accountability for attacks and other acts of violence against humanitarian personnel.

“Accountability must be universal and without exception, applying equally to all parties whose actions undermine the principles, protections and obligations of international humanitarian law,” Minister Ditoka stated.

The Minister also highlighted the particular circumstances faced by Fiji and other Pacific Island countries, where humanitarian response and disaster relief are frequently undertaken by local responders, civil society organisations and community volunteers.

In the aftermath of natural disasters, these responders are often the first to reach affected communities, providing assistance across vast distances and in remote and geographically dispersed locations.

Minister Ditoka underscored the importance of ensuring that those working on the frontlines of humanitarian and disaster response are adequately protected and supported as they carry out their responsibilities.

For Fiji, the protection of humanitarian personnel is relevant not only in situations of armed conflict, but also in responding to natural disasters and other emergencies that affect vulnerable communities.

Fiji reaffirmed its commitment to working with international partners to strengthen the protection of humanitarian personnel and to promote respect for international humanitarian law, as part of broader efforts to strengthen international cooperation and humanitarian response.