Colleagues, 

I thank Director Edem Wosornu and President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger for their briefings. 

Civilians are the primary victims in armed conflicts. The world today is undergoing transformation and turmoil, and hotspot conflicts are persisting and escalating, claiming massive numbers of innocent lives and tearing apart countless families. The Secretary-General’s report points out that last year globally, over 20 conflicts caused the deaths of at least 37,000 civilians and displaced over 100 million people. The harsh reality once again warns us that we must have a greater sense of urgency and take more robust actions to protect civilians. I will make four points. 

First, we must promote the political settlement of hotspot issues and eliminate violence and security threats. Another day conflicts drag on is another day of suffering for civilians. Only by completely ending conflicts, will we be able to fundamentally protect civilians. All parties should uphold the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security, and commit to resolving disputes through dialogue and consultation for the early attainment of lasting peace. The Security Council should fulfill its primary responsibility of maintaining international peace and security by taking responsible actions to promote ceasefires. The conflict in Iran has already inflicted severe losses on the people in Iran and other regional countries. China calls on the parties to maintain the momentum of easing the situation, and reach, through dialogue and consultation, a solution that accommodates the concerns of all parties. We call on the parties concerned to respond to the call of the international community, reopen the shipping lane as soon as possible, and jointly keep global production and supply chains stable and unfettered. Gaza should not be a permanent battlefield. It is imperative to realize a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire and expand humanitarian access for an early end to the suffering of civilians. 

Second, we must remain committed to defending the international rule of law and firmly safeguard the bottom line for the protection of civilians. Even wars have rules. However, the methods of conflict have repeatedly stooped to new lows. Schools, hospitals, and towns where civilians gather have become targets for military operations. Humanitarian workers, medical workers, and peacekeepers have become targets of attacks. It is imperative to further enhance the authority and effectiveness of peacekeeping operations. Compliance with international humanitarian law is a binding obligation for all parties. Any double standards and selective application are unacceptable. China, together with France, Brazil, Jordan, Kazakhstan, South Africa, and the ICRC, launched the initiative to galvanize firm commitment to international humanitarian law. We call on more countries to join the initiative to together promote the respect for and implementation of international humanitarian law. China appreciates the ICRC and other humanitarian organizations for their contribution to the protection of civilians in conflict, and calls on the international community to step up political and financial support for humanitarian operations and ensure safe and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance. 

Third, we must advocate technology for good to help guarantee the safety and security of civilians. The misuse and abuse of technologies, such as AI and UAVs, have brought new challenges to the safety and security of civilians. China always advocates the notions of people-centeredness and technology for good, and proposes that military applications such as AI should not undermine the common well-being of humanity, and that relevant weapon systems must remain at all times under human control and in line with international humanitarian law and other applicable international law. UN peacekeeping operations should harness emerging technologies prudently to enhance their capabilities in situational awareness, reconnaissance and monitoring, and crisis response, among others, to better support and guarantee humanitarian operations and strengthen protection of civilians in conflict areas. 

Fourth, we must uphold the ownership of the countries concerned and enhance their capacity in the protection of civilians. State governments bear the primary responsibility for protecting civilians. The international community should, in a targeted manner, strengthen the capacity of the countries concerned to protect civilians, fully respect the will of the countries concerned, and refrain from imposing interference. Poverty and underdevelopment are the root causes of conflicts, and also major obstacles to their resolution. It is important to address both the symptoms and root causes, support the countries concerned in economic development, poverty eradication, improving livelihood, eliminating the breeding ground for extremism, conflict, and violence, and promoting sustainable security through sustainable development. Any illegal unilateral sanctions that bypass the authorization of the Security Council will undermine the governance capacity of the countries concerned, and aggravate the suffering of the civilians, and must be firmly rejected. 

Colleagues, 

China consistently attaches great importance to the protection of civilians, stays committed to promoting the political settlement of hotspot issues, actively participates in UN peacekeeping operations, and helps relevant developing countries improve their governance capacity under the South-South cooperation framework. We stand ready to work with the international community to eliminate the scourge of war at an early date, build a world of universal security and lasting peace, and ensure happiness and tranquility for people of all countries.

Thank you.