Prince William shares statement over 'appalling suffering' in Gaza and Ukraine
The Prince of Wales has shared his thoughts
Prince William shared a new statement about the “appalling suffering” of those in the likes of Gaza and Ukraine as he unveiled the Global Humanitarian Memorial, designed by artist Michael Landy, in Gunnersbury Park, West London, on October 1.
The future king, 43, spoke passionately about the humanitarian effort in Gaza, describing it as a “thread of shared humanity”.
Prince William shares statement about Gaza and Ukraine
On Wednesday, Prince William urged nations to “champion and fight for their access to people in the most desperate of circumstances,” following his unveiling of the seven-metre steel structure.
The structure features 15 figures engraved with the moving stories of aid workers and those they supported.
The memorial is intended as a permanent and non-political public space to commemorate the individual stories of humanitarians, including those who lost their lives in service.
It comes following the reported deadliest year on record for aid staff. Last year, more than 380 workers were killed globally. Many others were injured, kidnapped or detained.
The ceremony on Wednesday was attended by those who had lost loved ones as well as international agencies.
Prince William unveils new Humanitarian memorial
William also met with survivors of targeted attacks from organisations including Médecins Sans Frontières, Islamic Relief and the Mines Advisory Group.
The prince spoke out to those gathered at the poignant ceremony.
He said: “Around the world, far too many people continue to face unimaginable pain, suffering and loss. Whether through natural disasters or man-made conflict and famine.
“We are witnesses to the appalling suffering of those who are victims of war and violence from Ukraine to Sudan, from Myanmar to Haiti and indeed throughout much of the Middle East.
Yet the presence of humanitarian aid workers, like those in Gaza, runs like a thread of shared humanity through even the grimmest of environments.
“Yet the presence of humanitarian aid workers, like those in Gaza, runs like a thread of shared humanity through even the grimmest of environments.
‘We must fight for their access to people in the most desperate of circumstances’
“Rather than running away from danger, discomfort and hunger, these incredibly brave men and women stay behind to bring whatever respite, compassion and care they can to those who need it the most.
“We must champion and fight for their access to people in the most desperate of circumstances.”
William later said: “I have had the privilege to hear from humanitarian aid workers directly about the challenging conditions they work in. From the representatives of humanitarian organisations in Palestine and Israel whom I met during my visit to the West Bank and Israel in 2018, and to the passionate UN staff who hosted me at the Jalazone refugee camp on that same visit.
“And of course to those in Poland and Estonia supporting Ukrainian children and families fleeing the conflict as a result of Russia’s invasion. They do essential work in the most challenging of places.”
Prince of Wales shares moving words
The Prince of Wales went on to highlight that it is “too often, hundreds of humanitarian aid workers around the world are killed while on duty”.
He said of the aid workers who were killed whilst trying to help those in need: “Every single one of those deaths is a tragedy. A cruel affront to the international humanitarian principles which must remain sacrosanct.
“One thing that should unite all of us is support and protection for those that seek to help others in the most dire situations.
“The brave humanitarians that seek to feed and heal innocent people deserve our respect and deserve their safety.
“Humanitarian aid workers bring solace in the darkest of times. We must do more to recognise their service, and more to protect them.”
William also added that he hoped that the memorial would be “a place both for quiet contemplation and for education”.
In providing such, he hopes that “children now and in the future can learn about humanitarianism, and the remarkably brave men and women who endanger their lives every day to help others in their hour of greatest need”.
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