MIKTA countries condemn disinformation targeting humanitarian workers — Anadolu Agency
In Türkiye, the foreign ministers of the MIKTA countries — Türkiye, Indonesia, South Korea, Mexico and Australia — condemned the spread of false and harmful narratives targeting humanitarian organizations and their personnel. Anadolu Agency reported on the ministers’ joint statement.
Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry released the statement following the 30th meeting of MIKTA foreign ministers, held on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.
Risks to humanitarian operations
The ministers expressed concern over the risks that misinformation, disinformation and harmful narratives pose to humanitarian personnel and operations during armed conflicts, disasters and other complex emergencies. In their assessment, such content undermines trust in humanitarian aid.
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The statement noted that the development of digital communications, social media and artificial intelligence enables harmful narratives to spread at unprecedented speed and scale. The ministers condemned the creation, coordination and dissemination of false content that distorts information about humanitarian organizations and personnel, incites violence, threats or discrimination, or obstructs humanitarian work.
Calls to protect personnel
MIKTA participants reaffirmed their support for UN Security Council Resolution 2730 and the Declaration on the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, calling for their effective implementation. They also stressed the need to counter disinformation, misinformation and hate speech directed against humanitarian organizations, personnel and activities.
The ministers called on states to encourage parties to armed conflicts and other relevant actors to respect and protect humanitarian personnel and operations, including in the information environment. The MIKTA countries said they would continue cooperating with the UN, humanitarian organizations, civil society groups and other stakeholders to advance these efforts.
