Conversation between Jean-Noël Barrot and Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator (February 17, 2026)

France – Ministère de l’Europe et des Affaires étrangères

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot spoke with UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher on February 18.

The Minister stressed France’s commitment to both international law and international humanitarian law, and to the principles governing the protection of civilians and humanitarian action. He praised the work of French nongovernmental organizations and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, along with that of the UN’s humanitarian agencies and the International Committee of the Red Cross. He emphasized the need to strengthen protections for humanitarian workers and to guarantee safe, unhindered humanitarian access worldwide. The Minister assured the Under-Secretary-General of France’s support for the reform of the UN’s humanitarian system. Both men addressed the world’s major humanitarian crisis situations. They agreed to continue working together to assist people in conflict zones and to meet their needs.

The Minister and the Under-Secretary-General also spoke with representatives of humanitarian organizations. The Minister outlined the goals of the national humanitarian conference that will take place this June, which will mark a new milestone in the implementation of France’s 2023-2027 humanitarian strategy.