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Message by Minister of Foreign Affairs His Excellency Abdulla Shahid, on the Occasion of the World Humanitarian Day

19 August 2020

Today, as we commemorate the World Humanitarian Day amidst COVID 19 pandemic, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the humanitarian aid workers and commend their tireless and selfless efforts to save and improve lives. These humanitarian efforts stemming from courage and determination strengthens friendship and unity among humanity and act as an inspiration and hope for generations to come.

It is befitting that this year’s theme honours the exemplary front-liners contributing to the life-saving relief operations during this global pandemic. The acts of unconditional courage and compassion by the front-line humanitarian workers demonstrate the true essence of ‘Real-life Heroes’. I also take pride in recognising the invaluable support of the diverse range of front-line workers contributing to the Maldivian Government’s strategy for recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic while ensuring no one is left behind especially girls, women and the most vulnerable in society.

It is with profound sadness that I note, in 2019 alone, 483 aid workers were attacked and 125 killed, 234 wounded and 124 kidnapped across the world. The Government of Maldives, strongly condemns these merciless acts of violence against Real-life Heroes. They deserve constant protection as beacons of hope for the many struggling to survive in the extreme conditions of war, famine and the on-going pandemic.

The Maldives remains committed to the principles enshrined in International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law, and urges the international community to ensure a safe environment for all humanitarian workers to continue their work for the betterment of humanity.