President,

I welcome Mozambique’s initiative to convene this meeting. I thank Special Adviser Alice Wairimu Nderitu, Assistant Secretary-General Joyce Msuya, President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, and the civil society representative for their briefings.

The historic Resolution 1265 adopted by the Council 25 years ago provides important guiding principles on the protection of civilians in armed conflicts. Over the years, the protection of civilians has become a top priority on the Council’s agenda, and the Council has adopted a number of resolutions on the protection of vulnerable groups, including women, children, and persons with disabilities. Yet still today, acts that harm civilians in armed conflict are still widespread. As pointed out in the SG’s report, from the Middle East to North Africa, from Europe to Latin America, from the Horn of Africa to the Sahel region, numerous civilians are still suffering as a result of conflict, and civilian casualties have risen significantly since last year. The harsh reality reminds us to take stronger actions to protect civilians and to do so with a greater sense of urgency. Let me emphasize the following points.

First, eliminating armed conflict is the best protection for civilians. While saving lives in armed conflict is a noble goal, it must be noted that as long as conflicts have not ended, the lives of civilians are under constant threat. At the same time, it must not be forgotten that the Security Council’s primary responsibility is to maintain international peace and security. Over several months of hostilities in Gaza have resulted in unprecedented civilian casualties and a humanitarian catastrophe. As we speak, millions of people who have gathered in Rafah to seek refuge are on the brink of death. An urgent priority for the Council is to push for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire. And to that end, the Council should take further actions and urge Israel to immediately stop its collective punishment of the Palestinian people and to stop advancing is military attacks on Rafah, so as to offer hopes of survival to the people on the ground.

Second. international humanitarian law is the bottom line that must be adhered to by all. Civilians and civilian infrastructures can never be the target of military operations. In conflict situations, it is imperative to guarantee safe and unimpeded humanitarian access and ensure the safety and security of humanitarian agencies and their staff. Humanitarian assistance must not be politicized. Basic goods such as food and medicine must not be weaponized. In occupied territories, the occupying power is obligated to protect the safety and security of civilians and meet their humanitarian needs. Today in the 21st century, these universally recognized basic norms of IHL have been breached time and again, for which we must stay vigilant. The Council should continue to uphold the authority of IHL and ensure its universal and consistent application. Double standards and selective application of IHL are unacceptable and are tantamount to condoning more violations.

Third, serious efforts should be made to address outstanding challenges posed by the proliferation of small arms and light weapons and the development of autonomous weapon systems. The illicit trafficking, misuse, and irresponsible transfer of SALWs have exacerbated armed conflicts. China calls for strengthening the global governance of the arms trade. We stand for the concept of responsible arms trade and the need to combat the illicit transfer of SALWs. We call on all countries to refrain from supplying weapons to non-state actors. For some time now, a steady flow of illicit weapons has driven rampant gang violence in Haiti. Relevant countries should strictly implement the arms embargo imposed by the Council on Haiti, and should shoulder their responsibility for stabilizing the security situation and guaranteeing the safety and security of the civilians.

As indicated in the SG’s report, the risk of AI and autonomous weapon systems being used as a means of warfare is on the rise and deserves our greater attention. Following a human-centered principle of using AI for good, countries should work to ensure that AI always remains under human control. China supports the development of a legally binding international instrument on lethal autonomous weapon systems.

Fourth, improving the governance capacity of conflict affected countries is the ultimate solution. At the end of the day, national governments take the primary responsibility for protecting the safety and security of their own people. In dealing with complex situations, the international community need to take systematic measures in light of the realities of the conflict-afflicted countries, and support them in strengthening their national defense, security, and counter-terrorism capacities through security sector reforms. At the same time, assistance need to be provided to the countries concerned to accelerate their development, promote employment and poverty reduction, improve the capacity of public service delivery, and gradually address the deep-seated causes of conflict. The UN peacekeeping operations should also consider incorporating the capacity building of countries concerned into their transition strategies early on, so as to create conditions for the gradual withdrawal of PKOs.

President,

China always attaches great importance to the protection of civilians. Over the years, China has been actively participating in UN PKOs, and within the framework South-South cooperation, China has been helping developing countries strengthen their governance capabilities. Together with the international community, we will continue our unremitting efforts to eliminate the scourge of war at an early date to ensure peaceful and happy lives.

Thank you, President.