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Statement by Ambassador Zhang Jun at Open VTC of the Security Council on the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict

2020-05-27 22:28

Mr. President,

China highly commends the initiative of convening this Open VTC on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. We welcome President Kaljulaid to attend the meeting, and thank Secretary-General Mr. Guterres for his briefing. We also welcome the participation of President Maurer and Ms. Sirleaf.

The international community, including the Security Council, has made tremendous efforts to protect civilians in armed conflict. This Council has adopted a number of resolutions and presidential statements in this regard. Nevertheless, our work still faces multiple challenges, compounded by evolving situations of conflicts and new risks including COVID-19 pandemic.

Civilians bear the brunt of wars and armed conflicts, accounting for the vast majority of casualties. The latest Secretary-General report presented a bleak picture of continued civilian sufferings in armed conflicts. In 2019, the United Nations reported more than 20,000 civilians killed and injured as a result of attacks in ten conflicts, and millions of civilians displaced.

China strongly believes, the paramount importance of protecting civilians in armed conflict can never be over-emphasized. We therefore support for in-depth discussions and concrete actions of the Council on this issue.

Firstly, we must address the root causes of conflicts, and promote development for peace. This is the best approach to protect civilians. In many cases, absolute poverty and hunger induce violence and conflicts, which in turn undermine development and worsen poverty and food insecurity. Only by addressing the root causes can we break this vicious circle.

Sustainable and inclusive development is key to achieving long-term stability and sustaining peace. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development must be effectively implemented, with poverty eradication as the first priority. There are only ten years left for us to achieve SDGs. It is time for action. China firmly supports Secretary-General’s Decade of Action initiative, and calls on the international community to jointly pursue for innovative, coordinated, green, open and shared development.

Secondly, the Security Council should tirelessly prevent and peacefully resolve conflicts through political dialogue, mediation and negotiation. Preventing conflicts, reducing and resolving them by peaceful means, are the most effective way to protect civilians. At present, armed conflicts continue in some areas, resulting in a high number of civilian casualties. We urge all parties concerned to respond positively to the Secretary-General's call for a global ceasefire, and move toward political settlement through inclusive dialogue.

The fundamental principles of international law, such as peaceful settlement of disputes, and the prohibition of the threat or use of force, must be upheld. Many of the prolonged conflicts are aftermath of violations to UN Charter and other basic international law. For example, the people of Syria and Iraq have endured years of sufferings caused by the use of force unauthorized by the Security Council. This should not happen again.

Thirdly, all parties to the conflict must fulfill their obligations of protecting civilians under international law. The Geneva Convention, International Humanitarian Law and relevant Security Council resolutions, in particular resolution 1265, and other resolutions concerning women, children, medical personnel and missing persons, must be fully implemented. We urge all parties to the conflicts to refrain from asymmetric use of force in densely populated areas. There should be zero tolerance of harming civilians. It is also critical for all parties to give special attention and care to vulnerable groups in particular women and children, and facilitate safe and unimpeded humanitarian access.

COVID-19 pandemic brings further risk to civilians in armed conflict. All parties should prioritize the interests of the people, and take proactive measures to combat the virus. Unilateral sanctions severely undermine the capacity of vulnerable countries to respond to the pandemic, aggravating civilian sufferings. We call on relevant countries to lift unilateral sanctions immediately and join the global efforts of combating the virus, including by supporting the leading role of WHO.

China has provided medical assistance and sent medical teams to countries in armed conflict, helping them to fight against COVID-19. At the recently held World Health Assembly, President Xi Jinping has announced five significant measures to boost international cooperation against the pandemic. We will continue deliver support for countries in need.

Fourthly, national governments must bear the primary responsibility to protect their civilians. UN peacekeeping operations should work closely with governments and follow strictly their mandate when fulfilling the responsibility to protect civilians. UN agencies and other humanitarian institutions need to engage actively with governments of countries concerned and respect their sovereignty, so as to develop trust and facilitate humanitarian operations. The guiding principles of Humanitarian Emergency assistance as set out in GA resolution 46/182 must be respected and upheld. The ICRC has set up a role model in this regard.

Any violation of international humanitarian law, such as threats or attacks against civilians in armed conflict, should be investigated and punished in accordance with the law. Meanwhile, the international community should respect the national judicial system of countries concerned, and not impose external measures. We should bear in mind that foreign occupation and interference, terrorist activities, unilateral sanctions and many other factors also cause sufferings of civilians, which must be held accountable without impunity.

The protection of civilians should not be politicized or used as an excuse for interference in internal affairs, even regime change. Those who invoke international law must submit themselves to it. The Security Council should adopt a consistent position in all situations on its agenda. Double standards or selective approach will only damage the authority of the Council.

Mr. President,

A human life is of greater value than anything else. We must take a people-centered approach in dealing with any issue on the agenda of the Security Council. It is the moral obligation of the international community to do whatever we can, to take pragmatic and effective measures to ensure the safety and dignity of civilians in armed conflicts.

Thank you, Mr. President.

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