Beirut: UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinators have jointly issued a statement highlighting the ongoing plight of humanitarian workers in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon. The statement, titled "Silence is Complicity," calls for an end to attacks on aid workers and emphasizes the need to protect humanitarian spaces across the Middle East.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the coordinators initially called upon authorities a year ago to cease assaults on humanitarian efforts and release detained personnel. However, these appeals remain unheeded, with a significant increase in violence against civilians and aid workers, resulting in numerous casualties and violations of international humanitarian law.
The statement reveals alarming statistics, noting that since August 2024, at least 446 aid workers have been killed, injured, kidnapped, or detained in the aforementioned regions. This adds to a troubling total of 841 affected individuals over the past year, comprising 584 fatalities, 215 injuries, 38 detentions, and 4 kidnappings.
The coordinators express concern over attempts to dismantle multilateral norms and weaken UN-mandated bodies, which jeopardize the safety and effectiveness of humanitarian operations. They stress that even vocal opposition to these actions can lead to restricted humanitarian access and political repercussions.
Highlighting a lack of accountability for severe violations, the coordinators argue that the prevailing climate of impunity is both politically indefensible and morally unacceptable. They insist that adherence to international humanitarian law is non-negotiable and call for all parties to be held accountable for their actions.
The statement closes by affirming the importance of safeguarding humanitarian workers, not just for the Middle East but for global civilian protection and the upholding of international humanitarian principles. The coordinators urge the global community to support humanitarians who continue their vital work despite the risks.
The statement is signed by Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Mr. Adam Abdelmoula for Syria, Mr. Julien Harneis for Yemen, and Mr. Imran Riza for Lebanon.