New York: Pakistan has issued a call to action at the United Nations, urging the international community to implement effective measures to protect humanitarian workers in areas of armed conflict. This appeal was made during a UN Security Council briefing on the protection of civilians in conflict zones.

Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, expressed serious concerns about what he termed as the international community’s failure to adequately protect those who risk their lives in service to others. Ahmad’s statement highlighted the vulnerability of humanitarian workers, who often find themselves in perilous situations while providing assistance in conflict-affected regions.

The statement came in the wake of a recent incident in southern Gaza, where fifteen humanitarian workers, including eight Palestinian medics, six civil defense first responders, and a UN staff member, were killed. Ahmad condemned these killings, attributing them to Israeli actions, and described the incident as a “wanton and shameless act” that has drawn widespread disapproval and concern from the international community.

Ahmad’s remarks underscore the pressing need for protective measures and accountability in conflict zones, as humanitarian workers continue to face significant risks while fulfilling their vital roles. The call for action at the UN aims to galvanize international efforts to ensure the safety and security of those working on the front lines of humanitarian crises.