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Mr. President,
My delegation welcomes this open debate on ‘Protection of Civilians and Healthcare in Armed Conflict’.
We thank the Secretary General and the Vice President of the ICRC for their insightful briefings.
Mr. President,
Protection of civilians in armed conflict is a basic tenet of international humanitarian law. The 1949 Geneva Convention and its additional protocols contain specific rules to protect civilians. Yet, despite an established normative framework, compliance is unfortunately, sporadic and accountability mechanisms remain weak. Non-combatants continue to be treated as “fair game” in the hands of the warring parties to further their strategic interests. ‘Collateral damage’ is still considered an unfortunate but inevitable byproduct of conflict.
As a result, the tapestry of armed conflict is increasingly being colored by the suffering of civilian populations. As seething fires of armed conflict rage across the world, the international community has confronted the grim reality of both growing civilian casualties as well asan ever greater need for humanitarian assistance and protection for people displaced by conflict. The plight of the vulnerable including women and children, remain particularly acute. As the Secretary General notes in his latest report, more than 20 million people in conflict situations including 1.4 million children, are on the brink of famine. This challenge is compounded by an inadequate global response to address the suffering of civilians in armed conflict.
Mr. President,
Amidst the dark shadows of war and conflict, essential health services including hospitals and medical personnel play a critical role, both as providers of vital life support as well as sustainers of hope and optimism. Any attack on medical facilities and staff,jeopardizes life and exacerbates suffering. It is therefore, not only an egregious breach of international law, but also a betrayalof humanity itself.
It is unfortunate that we have witnessed a spate of recent attacks against medical facilities, both by state and non-state actors, in conflict situations. This culture of impunity must end.
The landmark Security Council Resolution 2286, adopted last year, speaks to this imperative, by unequivocally condemning attacks or threats against medical and humanitarian personnel exclusively engaged in medical duties. The onus now, is to translate this political resolve into tangible action.
As a first step, all parties to an armed conflict must unequivocally reaffirm that healthcare needs to be protected in compliance with their obligations under international law, in particularhumanitarian law.
Criminal prosecutions and other forms of accountability for the perpetrators of attacks on health service providersare equally essential.
Parties to an armed conflict must also ensure a safe, unimpeded passage and sustained humanitarian access. Human misery cannot be mortgaged at the altar of political objectives.
Mr. President,
Protection of civilians must also be prioritized in UN peacekeeping operations. As one of the leading troop contributors, my country has proudly and conscientiously performed the task of protecting civilians in different parts of the world including in Missions in the DRC, Darfur, Central African Republic and Liberia.
Based on our diverse and rich experience, we underscore the critical importance of the troop contributing countries not only in drawing up of mandates, but also in their implementation, review, renewal or change, especially in case of rapid deterioration of ground situation.
While the fundamental Principles of Peacekeeping are not an impediment to the Protection of Civilian mandates, the primary responsibility for protection of all civilians nonetheless, rests with the host countries. The clear distinction between the established norm of protection of civilians and the evolving concept of responsibility to protect must therefore be maintained.
Mr. President,
Above all, the goal of protection of civilians is best served by preventing the outbreak of armed conflicts in the first place. This entails addressing the root causes of conflicts, and finding inclusive political solutions to disputes and seeking peaceful settlement of conflicts. We believe that the Secretary General’s call for a ‘surge in diplomacy for peace’,strengthens and reinforces this approach. A culture of prevention is after all, the best assurance to sustainable and enduring peace and security.
I thank you, Mr. President.