Belgium says it is essential to uphold international law, end impunity for violations

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) – Belgium’s Foreign Ministry highlighted the “urgent need to protect humanitarians and civilians" in a statement Monday, saying it is essential to uphold international humanitarian law, ensure accountability and end impunity for violations.

In response to a question from Anadolu on the tragic deaths of humanitarian aid workers in the Gaza Strip on the occasion of World Humanitarian Day, a spokesperson for the ministry said the country continues to act for humanity and calls for respect of international humanitarian law "in all circumstances and all over the world."

The spokesperson said that "2023 was the deadliest year ever for humanitarian workers, and 2024 could be even worse,” adding that is why "we continue to stress the urgent need to protect humanitarians and civilians."

"This is essential to uphold international humanitarian law, ensure accountability, and end impunity for violations."

According to the UN, at least 289 aid workers including 207 team members from the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, or UNRWA, have been killed in Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7 last year.

Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin issued a statement on the occasion of the day, pointing to an "alarming rise" in the number of humanitarian workers killed or attacked recently.

"On World Humanitarian Day, we also remember those humanitarian workers killed while attempting to help others. This year, we remember particularly those who have lost their lives in the conflict in Gaza," he said.

He said Ireland continues to call for "strict adherence" to international humanitarian law in all conflicts and reminds all parties to conflicts that humanitarian workers and civilians must not be targets.

The statement also noted that Ireland has already provided over €150 million ($166.2 million) for humanitarian crises across the world in 2024.

The UK Foreign Office posted a video marking World Humanitarian Day, stressing that humanitarian workers are on the frontline helping the world's most vulnerable people survive and recover.

Speaking in the video, Anneliese Dodds, minister for international development at the Foreign Office, said the UK "will uphold international law, defend human rights and put equality at the heart of everything we do."

World Humanitarian Day is marked annually, bringing together partners from across the humanitarian system to advocate for the survival, well-being and dignity of people affected by crises and for the safety and security of aid workers, according to the UN.