Ten Nations Call for Protection of Humanitarian Workers Amid Lebanon Crisis

Kathmandu. Ten countries, including Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Sierra Leone, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, have expressed concern over the rising displacement and crisis in Lebanon, calling for the protection of humanitarian workers in the conflict zone.

In a joint statement, the nations noted that the war has exacerbated the humanitarian situation and displacement crisis in Lebanon, urging an immediate cessation of hostilities in the region. Expressing their eagerness to welcome a ceasefire agreed upon between the US, Israel, and Iran, they called for an immediate end to hostilities in Lebanon.

They emphasized the need to protect civilians and infrastructure amidst the ongoing conflict, stating that it is essential to ensure the safety of humanitarian personnel working in the region.

The statement highlights that adherence to international humanitarian law is necessary to protect human dignity, minimize civilian casualties, and ensure sustained humanitarian access.

The countries also warned that the risks faced by humanitarian workers in southern Lebanon have increased significantly. The signatories referenced a declaration launched in September 2023 by over 100 countries aimed at strengthening the protection of humanitarian workers in conflict zones. The statement affirmed their commitment to working together to ensure that those who work to save the lives of others do not have to sacrifice their own.

The statement follows reports of United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) personnel being detained due to cross-border clashes between Israel and Hezbollah. Following rapid and direct intervention by UNIFIL's mission and force commander, along with its liaison branch, the peacekeepers were released within an hour.

Stating that any detention of UN peacekeepers is a violation of international law, they noted that any obstruction of peacekeepers in the performance of their duties is a violation of UN Resolution 1701.