Antigua and Barbuda has joined regional discussions in Jamaica on a proposed international treaty aimed at strengthening protections for people affected by disasters.

Red Cross President Dr. Jose Humphreys and Crown Counsel Annetta Jackson represented the country at the Kingston roundtable, where officials, legal experts and humanitarian groups examined the proposed Treaty on the Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters. The initiative seeks to improve humanitarian access, clarify states’ responsibilities and strengthen cooperation during disaster response.

Humphreys told the meeting the treaty should not only address emergency response, but also place clear emphasis on preparedness, resilience-building and disaster risk reduction, especially for vulnerable Caribbean states. He said any new framework must align with existing laws and international guidance while keeping the protection of affected people at its centre.

He also called for faster entry for 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 create a formal legal framework for disaster situations, where no single international treaty currently exists.