Slovakia Joins UN Declaration on Protection of Humanitarian Workers

New York, 22 September (TASR) - Slovakia has officially joined the UN Declaration on the Protection of Humanitarian Workers, ceremonially signed at the UN headquarters in New York on Sunday (21 September), with Foreign Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD) signing the document in recent days on behalf of the Slovak government, the Foreign Affairs Ministry's communications department informed TASR on Monday. "Protecting humanitarian workers is not only a moral duty, but also a clear expression of our respect for international humanitarian law. People who risk their lives to save others must be protected, and Slovakia condemns any violence committed against humanitarian workers," said Blanar, adding that Slovakia has avowed the principles of humanity, solidarity and international cooperation by signing the declaration. Although the document is neither legally binding, nor contains new international legal or financial obligations, it represents an important political statement and creates space for practical cooperation, stated the Foreign Affairs Ministry. The declaration provides a valuable framework for coordination among more than 40 countries and organisations with the aim of increasing the protection of those operating in the most dangerous parts of the world, stated Blanar. "By joining the Group of Friends of the Declaration, Slovakia will be able to contribute even more actively to this important agenda and engage in specific activities supporting the goals of this declaration," said the head of Slovak diplomacy, adding that Slovakia will continue to stand by those who bring aid, hope and life to areas affected by disasters and conflicts. The UN Declaration on the Protection of Humanitarian Workers was initiated by an inter-regional ministerial group formed in September 2024 by ten countries led by Australia. The impetus for the document was the tragic death of Australian humanitarian worker Lalzawmi Frankcom in the Gaza Strip. The declaration aims to promote compliance with international humanitarian law and identify specific measures that countries can take in order to enhance the safety of humanitarian staff. ko/df