President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has called for stronger protection of humanitarian personnel and urged the international community to uphold international humanitarian law.

In a message marking World Humanitarian Day on Wednesday, President Muizzu said the Maldives has a responsibility to speak out against violence targeting humanitarian workers and defend vulnerable communities, regardless of the country’s size.

He highlighted the growing need for humanitarian assistance amid conflict, displacement, hunger and climate-related crises, saying the situation in Gaza is among the clearest examples of the erosion of humanitarian protection.

The President condemned the obstruction of humanitarian aid, blockades and violence against relief workers, describing them as grave violations of international law. He also reaffirmed the Maldives’ solidarity with the Palestinian people and called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire.

As a party to the Fourth Geneva Convention, the President said the Maldives remains committed to international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians and humanitarian personnel.

World Humanitarian Day is observed annually on 19 August to honour humanitarian workers killed or injured while serving in crisis zones and recognise those providing life-saving assistance.