UN SECURITY COUNCIL: OPEN DEBATE ON THE PROTECTION OF CIVILIANS IN ARMED CONFLICT
Statement delivered by H.E. James Larsen, Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations
22 May 2025
Thank you President,
We are convening at a time when the world is experiencing more conflict than any time since the Second World War.
Brutal, degrading conflict that is causing widespread destruction.
Civilians, and especially women and children, are paying an unacceptable price.
And as we have heard from our briefers yesterday, and as reaffirmed by over 80 Member States yesterday morning, we cannot ignore that we are meeting against the backdrop of a catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The UN reports that the entire population of Gaza is at risk of famine. Clearly not enough is being done to protect civilians.
With international partners, Australia calls on Israel to allow a full and immediate resumption of aid to Gaza.
President, I have three points which we see as critical to strengthening the protection of civilians in armed conflict.
First, we call for strict compliance with international humanitarian law.
2024 was the deadliest year on record for humanitarian personnel, with more than 360 deaths across 20 conflict zones.
Journalists and media workers were also under attack, with 53 killed in countries affected by armed conflict – an increase of 15 per cent from 2023.
These figures alone tell us that this is unacceptable.
Humanitarian personnel, journalists and media workers must be protected in line with international humanitarian law. Direct attacks should be investigated and, where applicable, prosecuted in compliance with national and international law.
Australia is leading a Ministerial group to develop a Declaration on the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel.
The Declaration will focus on:
Improved adherence to international humanitarian law, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access together with, enhanced support for local humanitarian personnel, and strengthened accountability for attacks against aid workers.
The Declaration is being developed in consultation with humanitarian partners, and will complement existing efforts, including UN Security Council Resolution 2730.
We strongly encourage Member States to join us in this effort.
Australia is also pleased to support the ICRC’s Global IHL Initiative, including as Co-Chair – with Austria and Kenya – of the workstream on best practices for preventing IHL violations.
And I acknowledge the remarks of ICRC President, Mirjana Egger yesterday morning.
Second, where peace operations have a protection mandate, Australia calls for adequate resourcing and improved capabilities to protect civilians.
Protection must be a central focus in all mission components to maintain trust and confidence – especially with local communities.
This is particularly important in transition settings, where civilians, including women and girls, are most at risk of violence, including sexual violence and harassment.
Importantly, efforts to prevent and resolve conflict cannot be separated from the risks of gender-based violence.
Third, we must be vigilant in fostering a culture of protection not just during armed conflict, but after fighting has stopped.
The protection of civilians should be viewed through a lens of human rights obligations, and we must re-double our efforts to prevent outbreak or escalation.
Evidence-based advocacy, monitoring and capacity building can ensure state and non-state actors have the tools and capabilities to fulfill their protection responsibilities.
The UN Peacebuilding Commission can play an important role in reinforcing a culture of protection focused on the long-term safety and security of civilians through nationally-owned peacebuilding and sustainable development efforts.
President,
Australia firmly believes civilians should never be a target and we must all do more to protect them.
Thank you.