![]() ![]() George Vella, President of Malta - stressing that civilians, humanitarian workers, helpers, volunteers, objects and indispensable services are not targets -said: “These distinctions are clear - never can it be said that we did not know.” In that regard, the Council must safeguard civilian protection, humanitarian access and support and take its accountability obligations seriously. Speakers also underlined the need to address the link between food insecurity and conflict, with some advocating for action from the Council as several underlined its nature as a development issue. Many welcomed the Political Declaration on Strengthening the Protection of Civilians from the Humanitarian Consequences arising from the use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas - adopted in Dublin in 2022 - and the recent extension of the Black Sea Initiative. As well, the Council must take responsibility for the climate impacts in the Lake Chad Basin region by supporting climate change adaptation programmes.ĭuring the day-long open debate, more than 80 Heads of State, ministers, Government officials and representatives underscored the importance of upholding international humanitarian law. “Women are the first victims and at the same time the first to provide solutions in all crisis situations,” she pointed out.Īs such, the Council must encourage the donor community to devote more funds to gender-sensitive livelihood reconstruction and insist on the full, equal and meaningful participation of women and girls, she stressed, adding that “without, no sustainable peace is possible”. Yet, the women's movement in development, peace, and humanitarian sectors remains poorly resourced and unlikely to be considered when planning solutions. ![]() However, until international humanitarian law is upheld for all genders, there is no chance for enduring stability or security, she underscored.īuilding on that, Aïchatou Mounkaïla, President of the Network of Women-led Organisations of the Lake Chad Basin, said that the humanitarian crisis in her region - be it climate or security-related - has a female face. With misinformation and disinformation hindering humanitarian operations, fuelling dangerous divisions and undermining communities’ acceptance of humanitarian missions, all States must take the necessary measures to prevent and mitigate their harmful effects on the safety and rights of civilians. ![]() States and other actors must also reduce the risk of food insecurity and invest in practical solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change in conflict-affected regions.Įnabling neutral and impartial humanitarian access is critical, she continued. In that regard, all parties engaged in urban warfare must prioritize civilian protection, avoid the use of heavy explosive weapons in populated areas and ensure essential services. Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), pointed out that development and peace become unachievable when conflicts are characterized by widespread destruction and international humanitarian law violations. “Civilians have suffered the deadly effects of armed conflict for too long,” he emphasized, asserting: “It is time we live up to our promise to protect them.” As a whole, the international community must break the deadly cycle of armed conflict and hunger by addressing underlying causes, strengthening vulnerable countries’ economies, honouring commitments to support nations on the frontlines of the climate crisis and increasing contributions to humanitarian operations. Where war continues, all must comply with international humanitarian law, States must investigate alleged war crimes and prosecute perpetrators and the Council must urge countries to respect the rules of war, he said. Since war is devastating lives around the world, he urged States to intensify their conflict prevention efforts, preserve peace and find political solutions to war. It is the difference between life and death, between restraint and anarchy, between losing ourselves in horror and retaining our humanity,” Secretary-General Guterres stressed, briefing the 15-nation organ on his report on the protection of civilians in armed conflict (document S/2023/345). “We must never lose sight of the meaning and purpose of international humanitarian law. ![]() The world is failing to live up to its commitments to protect civilians in armed conflict, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned the Security Council today, urging greater respect for international humanitarian law through action and accountability, as speakers, during a day-long open debate, outlined priority action areas for ensuring civilians’ survival, security and dignity. ![]()
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