Antigua and Barbuda has taken part in regional discussions in Jamaica on a proposed international treaty designed to strengthen protections for people affected by disasters.
According to Antigua News Room, Red Cross President Dr. Jose Humphreys and Crown Counsel Annetta Jackson represented the country at a Kingston roundtable, where officials, legal experts and humanitarian organisations examined the proposed Treaty on the Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters. The initiative aims to improve humanitarian access, clarify states' responsibilities and strengthen cooperation during disaster response.
Dr. Humphreys told the meeting that the treaty should go beyond emergency response and place clear emphasis on preparedness, resilience-building and disaster risk reduction — particularly for vulnerable Caribbean nations. He stressed that any new framework must align with existing laws and international guidance while keeping the protection of affected people at its core.
He also called for faster entry of relief personnel and supplies during emergencies and urged formal recognition of National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies for their humanitarian support role.
The talks form part of ongoing United Nations efforts to establish a formal legal framework governing disaster situations. No single binding international treaty currently exists to address such circumstances.
