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.
Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks to the Security Council’s open debate on “Protection of civilians in armed conflict”, in New York today:
The continuing military hostilities in Sudan that began on 15 April between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces could have dire consequences for both the country, its people and the region, briefers told the Security Council today, as the members of the 15-nation organ voiced support for the recent seven-day truce, which aims to safeguard civilians and provide humanitarian access.
Preventing the diversion of arms transferred to Ukraine is essential for security and stability in that country and beyond, a senior United Nations disarmament official told the Security Council today, as members alternately called for dialogue over proliferation or underscored Ukraine’s right to defend itself from the permanent member that requested the meeting.
On 18 May 2023, the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolution 751 (1992) concerning Al-Shabaab updated its Implementation Assistance Notice (IAN) 1:
Despite a “very rough road”, Iraq’s Government continues to show resolve in tackling numerous pressing issues it is confronted with, including corruption, poor governance and an overreliance on oil, the senior United Nations official in the country told the Security Council today, underscoring the need for parties to prioritize the national interest over partisan concerns and to help sustain an active, empowered civic space.
On 15 May 2023, the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) concerning Libya decided to grant a humanitarian travel exemption, pursuant to paragraph 16(a) of resolution 1970 (2011), effective from 1 June through 30 November 2023, to the following three individuals:
On 12 May 2023, the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1591 (2005) concerning the Sudan met to hear a briefing by the Panel of Experts on the Sudan on the Panel’s work programme for 2023-2024.
On 9 May 2023, representatives of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), namely the Joint Mission Analysis Centre, Arms Embargo Cell, Senior Natural Resources Adviser and Mine Action Service, briefed members of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1533 (2004).
Despite a fragile military situation and dire economic and humanitarian challenges, the truce in Yemen continues to deliver beyond its expiration and parties to the conflict are demonstrating willingness to engage constructively, the United Nations top official for that country told the Security Council today, underscoring the need for a more comprehensive agreement and continued support from a coherent, coordinated regional and international community.
