SECURITY COUNCIL CONDEMNS ATTACKS AGAINST REFUGEES AND OTHER CIVILIANS IN CONFLICT SITUATIONS

29 September 1998

Press Release
SC/6582

SECURITY COUNCIL CONDEMNS ATTACKS AGAINST REFUGEES AND OTHER CIVILIANS IN CONFLICT SITUATIONS

19980929 In Presidential Statement, Council Also Condemns Use Of Force against United Nations and Associated Humanitarian Personnel

The Security Council this afternoon condemned the attacks or use of force against refugees and other civilians, in violation of the relevant rules of international law, including those of international humanitarian law.

In a statement read out on its behalf by Council President Hans Dahlgren (Sweden), the Council also condemned all attacks or use of force against United Nations and other personnel associated with United Nations operations, as well as personnel of humanitarian organizations. In that context, the Council recalled the statement by its President of 12 March 1997 in which he had emphasized the unacceptability of such attacks and had urged Member States and others to prevent them.

The Council affirmed its intention to review thoroughly and promptly the recommendations of the Secretary-General in his report on protection for humanitarian assistance to refugees and others in conflict situations, with a view to taking steps consistent with its responsibilities under the United Nations Charter, and, in that context, noted the views expressed in today's debate.

The meeting, which began at 4:57 p.m., was adjourned at 5 p.m.

Presidential Statement

The text of the statement, to be issued as document S/PRST/1998/30, reads as follows:

"The Security Council recalls the statement of its President of 19 June 1997 (S/PRST/1997/34) concerning protection for humanitarian assistance to refugees and others in conflict situations.

Security Council - 2 - Press Release SC/6582 3933rd Meeting (PM) 29 September 1998

"The Security Council welcomes the report of the Secretary-General on Protection for Humanitarian Assistance to Refugees and Others in conflict Situations (S/1998/883) and notes the recommendations contained therein.

"The Security Council notes that several of the recommendations contained in the report coincide with recommendations made in the report `The causes of conflict and the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa' (S/1998/318).

"The Security Council reaffirms the importance of pursuing a coordinated and comprehensive approach, in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and principles and provisions of international law, in improving protection for humanitarian assistance to refugees and others in conflict situations.

"The Security Council condemns the attacks or use of force in conflict situations against refugees and other civilians, in violation of the relevant rules of international law, including those of international humanitarian law.

"The Security Council likewise condemns all attacks or use of force against United Nations and other personnel associated with United Nations operations as well as personnel of humanitarian organizations, in violation of international law, including international humanitarian law. In this context, the Council recalls the statement by its President of 12 March 1997 (S/PRST/1997/13) as well as other relevant statements and decisions. It also recalls the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel adopted by the General Assembly on 9 December 1994.

"The Security Council affirms its intention to review thoroughly and promptly the recommendations of the Secretary-General with a view to taking steps consistent with its responsibilities under the Charter of the United Nations and, in this context, notes the views expressed in the debate on the matter at its 3932nd meeting on 29 September 1998."

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