Arria-Formula Meeting of the Security Council on Upholding International Law in Situations of Armed Conflict
16 September 2026
Thank you, Chair.
Australia thanks Pakistan for convening this important discussion.
Australia knows a safer world is one governed by rules.
We take our responsibility to respect, adhere to and advocate for international law in situations of armed conflict very seriously.
International law helps prevent crises from becoming conflicts. It is the foundation for alleviating human suffering when conflict occurs.
And it reflects our shared recognition that even in situations of war, the foundation for our decisions must be our shared humanity.
Despite unequivocal calls from this Council and UN Member States, the protections and obligations applicable during armed conflict so clearly established by international law are often not being complied with.
More than 1,000 humanitarian workers – people who dedicate their lives to protecting and assisting others – have been killed in the last three years.
This trend signifies that respect for the rules and norms that are needed for the protection of humanitarian personnel are at risk.
Calls for compliance with international humanitarian law are not being heard.
The Security Council has primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security, including by promoting compliance with international law, and accountability when it is violated.
Resolution 2730 on the protection of humanitarian personnel, which Australia was proud to co-sponsor, demonstrated how clear statements of political commitment by this Council can reinforce the international law applying to situations of armed conflict.
If elected to the UN Security Council in 2029-30, Australia will prioritise preventing conflict, protecting civilians and defending international law, including the UN Charter.
Our leadership of the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel is an example of the constructive initiatives we would pursue on the Council.
This global political commitment to action to protect humanitarians now has the support of over two-thirds of the UN membership, and we continue to urge member states to join.
Collectively, we are focused on tangible action to operationalise this commitment:
- Working alongside complementary global efforts like the International Committee of the Red Cross’s Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Commitment to International Humanitarian Law, to shape behaviour, systems and decisions that protect people on the ground.
- And advocating for allegations of serious violations of international law to be thoroughly investigated and those responsible held accountable.
We must work collaboratively, pragmatically and constructively to help safeguard and defend the rules that protect us all.
Thank you.