New York (VNA) – A Vietnamese representative to the UN Security Council has said the prevention and peaceful resolution of armed conflict is the best way to protect civilians in conflict areas.
At the UN Security Council’s open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict in New York on May 27, Ambassador Bui The Giang said humanitarian access is critical to protect civilians in armed conflict.
Giang said it must be independent of any political and military bias, and in keeping with the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence, and conform to national and international laws.
The ambassador also said many civilians, particularly women and children, continue to fall victim to killing, maiming, abuse, humiliation, and inhumane treatment in many areas and UN humanitarian workers are also becoming targets of attacks in conflict zones.
He urged the Security Council, the General Assembly, other agencies and organisations to work together to ensure better and closer cooperation and coordination in humanitarian work.
The representative also emphasised cooperation between UN bodies and regional organisations, saying regional organisations are well positioned to convince parties in armed conflict to minimise their operations in civil areas, allow humanitarian access, and respect humanitarian and human rights laws.
He said parties in armed conflict should also comply with international humanitarian law principles of distinction and proportionality, and should refrain from exerting measures against civilians.
The Vietnamese official proposed the Security Council consider the issue of civilian protection on a case-by-case basis and in line with the approach endorsed in previous related Security Council resolutions.
The Ambassador highlighted the progress by UN missions in protecting civilians in armed conflict in recent years, naming the UN Missions in Cote d’Ivoire, Timore -Leste and Nepal.-Enditem
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