BY LORETTA B MANELE

Solomon Islands has joined other countries around the world to support a new international declaration that aims to protect humanitarian workers.

According to a press statement from the Press Secretariat of the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) Peter Shanel Agovaka signed the declaration on behalf of Solomon Islands on Sunday evening, September 21, 2025 at the United Nations precinct in New York.

As stated, the declaration is an initiative of Australia’s Foreign Minister, Senator Penny Wong and has received support from more than 100 UN member states who are committed to safeguard those who risk their lives to provide aid in conflict zones and during crises.

Also noted is that this declaration is a response to the alarming rise in attacks on aid personnel globally, with the year 2024 recorded as the deadliest year for humanitarian workers.

“Hundreds were killed, injured, or kidnapped, most of them local staff serving in their own communities. This erosion of respect for international humanitarian law prompted urgent calls for stronger global action,” said the statement.

This declaration is said to focus on ensuring that humanitarian workers are protected through prompt and independent investigations when harm occurs and through stronger accountability systems, victim- and survivor-centred approaches to justice, and systematic monitoring of incidents.

To add on, the declaration also supports the UN Security Council to take action against those who violate the safety of aid personnel.

The press statement furthers that by signing, Solomon Islands demonstrates its partnership with Australia and the international community to promote justice, accountability and safety of those serving communities in need.

Photo: Press Secretariat, OPMC

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