UN Unveils Declaration to Shield Aid Workers; Ghana Among Signatories

By: Isaac Darko Boamah – New York

New York — Ghana has joined an international effort to strengthen protections for humanitarian workers operating in conflict zones, with Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa representing the country at the United Nations Headquarters for the launch of the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel.

Developed over the past year by a cross-regional coalition — including Australia, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Sierra Leone, Switzerland and the United Kingdom — the declaration seeks to bolster global political will to safeguard aid workers and to ensure that humanitarian assistance can be delivered safely, rapidly and without obstruction in areas of armed conflict. It reaffirms the international community’s commitment to international humanitarian law and calls on governments and institutions to turn that commitment into concrete measures and enforcement.

Ghana’s participation underscores its long-standing engagement in peacekeeping and humanitarian operations and signals support for coordinated international steps to reduce risks faced by aid personnel serving in volatile contexts. Delegates at the launch emphasized the need for stronger legal protections, improved operational protocols and enhanced accountability for attacks on humanitarian staff.

The unveiling ceremony at UN Headquarters included the formal signing of the declaration, the presentation of a commemorative installation, and a vigil to honor humanitarian workers who have lost their lives while delivering aid in conflict settings. Organizers said the initiative aims to translate symbolic commitment into tangible policy changes and better protection on the ground.

As the declaration moves from launch toward implementation, its proponents have urged member states to adopt national measures, strengthen cooperation with humanitarian organizations, and ensure that the principles enshrined in the text are reflected in operational and legal frameworks.