President John Dramani Mahama has called for stronger international action to address the humanitarian crises in Sudan and Gaza, warning against silence, selectivity and indifference in responding to human suffering.
Speaking at the 65th anniversary meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Belgrade, Serbia, President Mahama said the credibility of the international system was being severely tested when the suffering of people was met with unequal responses.
“The credibility of the international system is tested more severely when human suffering is met with silence, selectivity or indifference,” he said.
Turning his attention to Sudan, the President said the world had too often appeared to turn its back on the people of the country, who were enduring one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
He noted that millions of Sudanese had been displaced, while widespread hunger and grave violations against civilians continued.
“The international community must give Sudan the sustained political attention, humanitarian support and commitment to peace that its people urgently deserve,” President Mahama stated.
He also described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as catastrophic, noting that civilians continued to face severe constraints on humanitarian access and shortages of essential supplies.
According to President Mahama, food, water, healthcare and electricity remained critical concerns for civilians in Gaza.
He said the international community must insist on the protection of civilians and guarantee full and unhindered humanitarian access to affected populations.
The President further rejected what he described as the selective application of the principles of the United Nations Charter.
President Mahama used the occasion to renew Ghana’s long-standing call for an end to the economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba.
He said unilateral coercive measures that undermined sovereign equality and non-interference weakened the multilateral system.
“Unilateral, coercive measures that undermine sovereign equality, non-interference and the purposes and principles of the Charter weaken the multilateral system we all agreed to defend,” he said.
President Mahama urged the Non-Aligned Movement to maintain its position as a collective force for justice, peace and respect for international law.
He said the principles upon which NAM was founded must remain relevant in addressing contemporary conflicts and humanitarian crises.
Ghana, he said, would continue to work with fellow NAM members to strengthen multilateralism and promote a more equitable international order.
The President’s address formed part of activities marking 65 years since the first Non-Aligned Movement summit, held in Belgrade on September 1, 1961.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️)/ Presidential Affairs Correspondent | Ghana 🇬🇭