Sixth Committee, 19th plenary meeting - General Assembly, 81st session General Assembly Date: 19 October 2026 Language: English Transcript: https://transcripts.un.org/en/ga/c6/81/19 Transcripts available through this tool are created by using automatic speech recognition and are not official records nor official documents of the United Nations. Official records and official documents are available on the Official Document System of the United Nations. --- 6th Committee · Chair [17:14]: Very good morning, distinguished colleagues. I call to order the 19th meeting of the Sixth Committee for the 81st session of the General Assembly. Distinguished delegates, in accordance with the revised programme of work, this morning the Sixth Committee will continue and conclude its consideration of agenda item 81. status of the protocols additional to the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and relating to the protection of victims of armed conflicts. Following which, the committee will turn to consideration of agenda item 178, observer status for the Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie in the General Assembly, and then will commence its debate on agenda item 76, Report of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law on the work of its 59th session. Distinguished delegates, let us now continue with the debate on agenda item 81, status of the protocols additional to the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and relating to the protection of victims of armed conflicts. The relevant report of the Secretary General is contained in document A/81/290, which is available on the website. I recall the decision taken at our first meeting that statements delivered in a national capacity should be limited to seven minutes, while statements by groups of States will be limited to 12 minutes. Delegations are strongly encouraged to adhere to the time limits. The first speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of Austria. Sir, you have the floor. Austria [19:15]: Thank you, Madam Chair. My delegation fully aligns itself with the statement made by the European Union, and we would like to make the following remarks in our national capacity. Madam Chair, upholding international humanitarian law is not optional. The Geneva Conventions and the additional protocols to them are binding upon their parties in their entirety. They contain not merely desirable goals or political commitments, but concrete rights and obligations. And serious violations of these laws applicable in armed conflicts constitute war crimes. This statement sounds simple, but in light of today's conflicts, throughout which compliance with international humanitarian law is increasingly challenged, we cannot repeat it often or clearly enough. When we talk about the challenges in IHL implementation, we also have to emphasize the importance of prevention. Ensuring that violations do not occur in the first place requires comprehensive efforts. Austria joined and supported the Global Initiative to galvanize political commitment to international humanitarian law, launched in 2024, and co-chaired the workstream on prevention good practices. We encourage all states to engage with the comprehensive outcome document and the recommendations of the Global Initiative. When IHL is complied with, it saves lives and preserves human dignity, even in the midst of war. Following the adoption of the Political Declaration on Strengthening the Protection of Civilians from the Humanitarian Consequences Arising from the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas, the EVIPA Political Declaration, Austria strongly promotes its implementation for adapting military doctrines, planning and operations, enhancing the protection of civilians infrastructure, data collection, and ensuring humanitarian access. Austria hosted a series of workshops in 2024 and 2026 for military experts from different regions to build capacity and develop best practices for protecting civilians in urban warfare, embracing the VIPA agenda into military doctrines, capabilities, and operational guidance. Strengthening compliance with IHL and the protection of civilians in armed conflicts have been long-standing priorities of Austrian foreign policy. And the protection agenda will also be a priority of our Security Council membership in 2027 to 2028. In conclusion, Madam Chair, let me reaffirm Austria's firm commitment to upholding IHL and advancing multilateral cooperation in this regard. I thank you. 6th Committee · Chair [22:19]: I thank the distinguished representative of Austria for his statement. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Jordan. Madam, you have the floor. Jordan [22:31]: Thank you, Madam Chair. Jordan welcomes the Secretary-General's report. on the status of the protocols additional to the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and relating to the protection of victims of armed conflicts. We welcome its content, information on international efforts, the need to strengthen international humanitarian law and guarantees of its implementation internationally. In this regard, we believe that the 1949 Geneva Conventions and their additional protocols constitute an essential pillar of the protection of the victims of armed conflicts. Their respect and good faith implementation is not only a legal obligation, it is also a moral imperative, in particular given the increase in violations of IHL across the world. Based on these principles, we reiterate our firm commitment to the respect of IHL, the four Geneva Conventions, their additional protocols, and we insist on the need to move from legal commitments to practical implementation. To this end, our national authorities are continuing to cooperate with institutions that protect international humanitarian law on a national and international level. in order to propose training cycles and capacity building for specialists tasked with implementing IHL. We are also working to strengthen understanding of this law and of the respect for civilians during armed conflict. Our commitment to international humanitarian law is intrinsically linked to the crises being faced by our region currently. When we talk about the Geneva Conventions and their additional protocols, we cannot ignore what is happening in the occupied Palestinian territories. And in this regard, we insist on the need to ensure that the ceasefire can be delivered in the Gaza Strip and that all of its steps be fully delivered, in particular the delivery of humanitarian aid in an unhindered manner, and also beginning the reconstruction and rejecting all forced displacement of Palestinians from their land. It's inconceivable that more than 2 million Palestinians are deprived of the very bases and basic needs that they require for their lives, and that the future of Gaza is still held hostage to Israeli destruction. It's therefore necessary for the international community to act together in order to halt this suffering and to open up real perspectives for the future, including a Palestinian state and all around peace. In the regional context, we underscore the need to guarantee stability in our brother country, Lebanon, and to support the Lebanese state in their endeavor to control the whole of their territory. We call for Israeli forces to withdraw from Lebanese territory and to implement resolution 1701, and in particular, agreements with Lebanon. We reiterate our condemnation of repeated Israeli incursions into Syrian territory, and we reiterate our support to Syria's security, its territorial integrity, and its independence. We reiterate that strengthening international humanitarian law requires firm political will, continued international cooperation, and turning commitments into tangible actions. That's why it is the global initiative for the mobilization of international humanitarian law, launched in 2024, is so important, launched by Brazil, Jordan, China, France, Kazakhstan, South Africa, and the ICRC. 125 states joined this initiative, which demonstrates the wide-ranging international support for this initiative and shows the need to continue collective actions in order to preserve human dignity in cases of conflict. In this context, we will be hosting the international conference to preserve human dignity that will take place on the 7th of November next and this will be an opportunity to reiterate the international community's commitment to international humanitarian law and its implementation in practice we will continue our cooperation with our partners in order to defend the principles of international humanitarian law the protection of civilians and the protection of humanity thank you 6th Committee · Chair [28:06]: The Chair, I thank the distinguished representative of Jordan for her statements, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Romania. Sir, you have the floor. Romania [28:20]: Thank you, Madam Chair. Romania aligns with the statement delivered on behalf of the European Union and its member states and makes the following remarks in its national capacity. Compliance with international humanitarian law is not only a moral, but also a strategic necessity. At a time when the world is experiencing an unprecedented number of conflicts, the rules designed to mitigate the consequences of warfare and safeguard civilians are more important than ever. In this context, the four Geneva Conventions, their additional protocols, and other relevant international treaties have demonstrated their value. These instruments must remain the framework governing the conduct of hostilities, and it is precisely because of the many challenges facing them that we must redouble our efforts across the field to ensure their enduring relevance and applicability. To this end, Romania's National Committee on International Humanitarian Law continues to monitor domestic implementation and dissemination. In 2021, Romania published its first voluntary report on the domestic implementation of IHL, prepared by the National Committee. Work on our second voluntary report is currently underway, with the support of the Romanian Red Cross, with a view to finalizing it this year when we celebrate two important milestones, 150 years since the founding of the Romanian Red Cross Society and 20 years since the establishment of the National Committee on IHL. As regards the dissemination of IHL, this year on Romania's National IHL Day, May 14, the Romanian Red Cross, together with the ICRC, the National Defense University of Romania, the National IHL Committee, and other academic and institutional partners, organized the second high-level international conference focused on international humanitarian law titled Beyond the Image of Humanity. Hosted in the Romanian Senate, the conference discussed the protection of civilians, humanitarian access, missing persons, cultural property, and national implementation mechanisms. Romania highly values its cooperation with all components of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. In 2024, agreements with ICRC and IFRC were signed during the meeting of the National Committee on IHL. Moreover, the National Committee has an excellent cooperation with the Romanian Red Cross. On 13 October 2026, the Romanian Red Cross organized in Bucharest a roundtable with the participation of members of the Committee of the ICRC and the IFRC. Madam Chair, Romania remains determined to strengthen respect for IHL internationally and regionally by supporting initiatives that promote dialogue and cooperation. We have joined the global initiative to galvanize political commitment to IHL, launched in September 2024. We see added value in the initiative's cross-regional character and its timely choice to focus on implementing existing rules, and we hope for a very successful meeting in Jordan at the end of this year. At the national level, this commitment is reflected in efforts to adopt and implement the necessary legislative and practical measures, including on dissemination, as indicated previously. Our approach is markedly cross-institutional, covering sectoral competences of actors ranging from public safety to national defense and security. Thus, the Ministry of National Defense places particular emphasis on promoting knowledge of international humanitarian law throughout the armed forces. IHL is accordingly built into the ongoing professional training of the Romanian armed forces and the curricula of military educational institutions. It is also a fundamental part of how military operations are planned and conducted. In addition, Romania actively promotes IHL through specialized training courses for police and gendarmerie, officers of contributing countries to UN peacekeeping operations with a distinct and comprehensive IHL component. The 24 editions of the course, organized by the Romanian Ministry of Internal Affairs, have so far provided training to more than 300 officers in 34 countries. Romania's commitment also translates into concrete actions on the ground. To this end, we remain steadfast in supporting Ukrainian children who have sought refuge in our country as a result of the war waged by the Russian Federation against Ukraine. to the National Action Plan of Measures for the Protection and Inclusion of Displaced Persons from Ukraine, we provide access to accommodation and shelter, healthcare, social protection, education, and youth services. Our commitment also extends to securing the return of Ukrainian children who have been unlawfully deported or forcibly transferred, an effort to which Romania will continue to contribute as a member of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children. The same sense of responsibility guides our assistance to children injured in the conflict in Gaza and their families. Romania has been carrying out medical evacuations of children and their family members and providing treatment in Romanian hospitals. A total of 12 missions completed so far under the EU civil protection mechanisms, most recently on August 31st, in close coordination with all relevant stakeholders, ensured the evacuation of a total of 121 children accompanied by their family members. Out of these, 56 children, patients and accompanying family members were transferred directly to Romania for medical treatment, while the remaining evacuees were transferred to medical facilities in other partner countries. Madam Chair, we must not lose sight of the fact that respect for the protocols depends on the credible prospect that serious violations will be investigated and prosecuted. Romania reiterates its support for the International Criminal Court and its 2022 referral with other States Parties of the situation in Ukraine. Allow me to conclude by reaffirming Romania's commitment to advancing compliance with IHL at every level. This commitment is sustained by our conviction that international humanitarian law remains indispensable for protecting civilians and for living up to the universal moral imperative of upholding human dignity during armed conflict. I thank you. 6th Committee · Chair [34:04]: I thank the distinguished representative of Romania for his statements, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Georgia. Sir, you have the floor. Georgia [34:18]: Thank you, Madam Chair. Georgia is a party to all the core international humanitarian law treaties, including the four Geneva Conventions and the three additional protocols, as well as other relevant IHL treaties. The provisions of these instruments are fully reflected and implemented in our national legislation and policy documents. We thank the Secretary-General for his most recent report. Georgia's latest update on its efforts to implement and promote IHL, both at home and internationally, is included in the report. The full text of our submission is also available on the website of the Sixth Committee. In addition, we would like to use this opportunity to highlight a few points. Madam Chair, to consolidate national efforts to implement IHL effectively, Georgia has established a permanent national IHL commission under the Ministry of Justice of Georgia. The commission serves as an advisory and coordinating body on IHL. It brings together senior government officials and academic experts with observers from the ICRC and the Georgian Red Cross Society. It advises the government on IHL matters, proposes measures to ensure that Georgian legislation is in line with our international obligations, and promotes IHL programs and educational activities in cooperation with the ICRC. It also reports on Georgia's achievements and progress in the field of IHL to relevant international bodies and forums. At present, the Commission is implementing the 2025-2026 national action plan. The plan focuses on strengthening the implementation and awareness of IHL, protecting vulnerable and conflict-affected groups, building the capacity of relevant authorities, developing national legislation and policy, tracing missing persons, and strengthening international cooperation and reporting. An important part of this work is dissemination of IHL. The annual national competition in IHL is one of the activities included in the national action plan. It provides an opportunity to further promote knowledge and understanding of IHL through lectures and moot court simulations. Interest among students in the competition has been growing each We have also taken steps to make the relevant treaty framework more accessible in line with our obligations under the Geneva Conventions, the Georgian translation of the Geneva Conventions and the additional protocols have been revised and finalized and this year they were officially published on the website also. Legislative Herald of Georgia. Madam Chair, let me also briefly mention Georgia's international political commitments in this area. In November 2025, Georgia joins a global initiative to govern its political commitment to IHL. As part of this initiative, the IHL Commission participates in consultative meetings and contribute to the preparation of semantic reports. At the 34th International Conference of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent in 2024, Georgia submitted updated pledges with the aim to strengthen the national implementation of the IHL. These commitments include developing educational materials and training programs, strengthening the professional capacity of state institutions, and improving legal and institutional safeguards for personal data in line with IHL and humanitarian principles. In November 2022, Georgia was among the first group of states to endorse the political declaration of unexplosive weapons in populated areas. Madam Chair, this discussion is of particular significance for Georgia. This year we marked the 18th anniversary of Russia's aggression against Georgia. Georgia knows firsthand the human cost of armed conflict and illegal occupation. IHL, including the Fourth Geneva Convention, provides a comprehensive framework for situations of occupation and sets out clear obligations for an occupying power. Among other things, the occupying power is responsible for ensuring the security and well-being of civilian population. It shall also maintain the legal and administrative status quo. Any attempt to annex the occupied territory is unlawful and has no legal effect. These obligations continue to be systematically violated by the Russian Federation as an occupying power in Georgia's Abkhazian and Tskhinvali regions. The European Court of Human Rights and the International Criminal Court have confirmed on multiple occasions that the Russian Federation is responsible for grave human rights violations, including killings of civilians, torture and human degrading treatment, restrictions on freedom of movement, preventing Georgian IDPs and refugees from returning to their homes, and the list goes on. It's also important to recall that the occupation does not transfer sovereignty over the territory to the occupying power. For this reason, Russia's attempt to integrate the occupied regions through the conclusion of so-called treaties with them are null and void under IHL and the wider international law. At the same time, Georgia remains firmly committed to the peaceful resolution of the conflict in full accordance with the UN Charter and international law. The Geneva International Discussions, GID, remains a principal international platform for addressing the security, humanitarian, and human rights consequences of the conflict, including the implementation of the EU-mediated ceasefire agreement of 12 August 2008. At the same time, the incident prevention and response mechanism, IPRM, contributes to addressing security and humanitarian concerns on the ground. Georgia continues to pursue confidence building and reconciliation efforts while maintaining that meaningful conflict resolution requires respect for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, the safe and dignified return of IDPs and refugees, and effective international monitoring and humanitarian access. Respect for IHL is an essential condition for sustainable conflict resolution. Attempts by the Russian Federation to entrench occupation, alter the demographic situation, or create irreversible political and legal realities on the ground undermine prospects for a peaceful settlement and risk normalizing the consequences of the unlawful use of force. I thank you. 6th Committee · Chair [40:34]: I thank the distinguished representative of Georgia for his statements. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Tunisia. Sir, you have the floor. Tunisia [40:45]: Thank you, Madam Chair. We welcome the report of the Secretary-General on the status of the protocols additional to the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and relating to the protection of victims of armed conflicts. We appreciate the information provided on the efforts of States to promote respect for international humanitarian law, its provisions, and ensure its implementation at the national level. We stress that the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols constitute a fundamental pillar for the protection of victims of armed conflicts. Respecting their provisions and implementing them in good faith remain both a legal obligation and an urgent humanitarian necessity, especially given the global rise in grave violations of international humanitarian law. We reiterate our commitment to respecting international humanitarian law and underscore the need for continuing efforts to promote it and strengthen its effective implementation. We have established a legal framework governing the role of military legal advisors in accordance with Article 82 of Additional Protocol I. We have also increased the involvement of legal experts in military command structures and ensured the continuous verification of compliance with the rules of international humanitarian law throughout the planning, execution, and evaluation or assessment of military operations. Additionally, in 2016, an International Humanitarian Law Unit was established in the Ministry of National Defense. It is tasked with promoting this law, monitoring its implementation, and organizing relevant trainings. In 2021, an internal sectoral committee was also established in the Ministry of National Defense to oversee the implementation of national obligations related to the international humanitarian law and international human rights law. We also included incorporating these two areas into annual military trainings in cooperation with other countries and the ICRC. Work is also underway to finalize a training manual on international humanitarian law in collaboration with the ICRC delegation in Tunisia. International humanitarian law has also been integrated into the training curricula for military justice. Madam President, we stress that the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure in armed conflicts is a fundamental legal obligation. We condemn the grave violations to which the Palestinian people are subjected in the occupied Palestinian territory, including the starvation and targeting of civilians, the destruction of civilian infrastructure, the demolition of homes, forced displacement, the seizure of land and property, as well as acts of abduction, torture, and the imposition of a blockade. We stress that these practices constitute a violation of the rules of international humanitarian law, particularly those provisions that guarantee the protection of civilian populations and protected persons, prohibit the starvation of civilians and the use of food as a weapon of war, and forbid the targeting of civilian objects and the forced transfer of populations. Madam President, we reiterate our call to all States to promote respect for the 1949 Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, to ensure the promotion and integration of international humanitarian law into education and training programs, and to promote accountability mechanisms for violations, thereby ensuring the effective protection of the victims of armed conflict. In conclusion, we underscore the importance of cooperating with the ICRC and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the full implementation of these rules. We further call for a renewed collective commitment to the principles of humanity, distinction, proportionality, and the necessary precautions, all of which are essential safeguards for mitigating the suffering of civilians. Thank you for your attention. 6th Committee · Chair [44:56]: I thank the distinguished representative of Tunisia for that statement and now give the floor to the representative of Monaco. Madame, you have the floor. Monaco [45:21]: Madame Chair, the Protocols Additional to the Geneva Conventions are the outcome of a global awakening that there exist limits to war that the conscience of humanity cannot tolerate. Since their adoptions in 1977 and 2005, respectively, these protocols represent the commitment of our common humanity, a commitment that states that under all circumstances, regardless of the severity of the crisis or violence of confrontation, human dignity should prevail. This is a fundamental concept. and respecting that concept is a rampart against absolute barbarism. We must note that on the ground, humanitarian law has been trampled, while humanitarian need is reaching unprecedented levels. Financing for this need has been reduced, and insecurity on the ground has increased. Therefore, Monaco has aligned itself with the global initiative to revitalize Political Commitment for Humanitarian Law, which aims to, in the long term, mobilize political will to ensure respect, implementation, and the universal and uniform application of international humanitarian law. Indeed, rules exist for a reason. They are clear. They are broadly accepted. The main challenge of humanitarian law is its application and implementation. What is too often missing is the will to apply them, to teach them, to disseminate them, and to punish violations, Madam Chair. Principality of Monaco is a party to the four Geneva Conventions and their three additional protocols. Based on this commitment, Monaco has striven to strengthen international humanitarian law and to ensure universal respect for it through long-term partnerships with actors in the field. Over the past few months, the government of Monaco has renewed several of these partnerships to promote the norms of international humanitarian law and to bolster their effectiveness on the ground. Allow me to speak about three of them today. The first, together with the International Committee of the Red Cross, which FANUCO has supported for over 75 years now, this historic link reflects our deep conviction that humanitarian action is only credible if it remains neutral, impartial and independent. It is in this spirit that the Government of Monaco announced the renewal of its triennial plan of financing for ICRC operations for 2026-2028. This new plan provides for a 50% increase in the total amount of our contribution compared to the previous cycle. It also will allow the ICRC to strengthen its capacity to provide protection and assistance to persons affected by armed conflict especially through providing access to basic health care, physical readaptation, economic assistance, support for persons who have disappeared and their families, as well as diplomatic humanitarian action. The second partnership is with Handicap International, which has gone on since 2018, especially through its program on the use of explosive weapons in populated areas. The goal is clear, to reduce the use of explosive weapons in populated areas. When they are used in urban environments, 90% of victims are civilians, and their effects are especially devastating. Lives are destroyed, vital infrastructure as well, and families are forced to flee. consequences can go on for long after the end of hostilities. We have signed the Political Declaration on Strengthening Protection of Civilians against Humanitarian Consequences Stemming from the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas. Monaco is therefore striving to expand awareness of this declaration, thanks to a partnership with Handicap International, which was renewed until 2029. The third partnership, lastly, is with the International Institute of Humanitarian Law of San Remo. Law only protects if it is known, understood, and applied, and that is why training is the cornerstone of our action. Thanks to this program, armed forces personnel, institutional actors, and civil society organizations from more than 100 countries have been able to be trained, compare knowledge, and test their ability to respect the norms of international humanitarian law. The Our agreement with this institute was renewed until 2029, and the funding was increased to ensure that the training of personnel from developing countries can be trained with regard to the standards of international humanitarian law, because the knowledge of these rules will be shared by all without exception. Madam Chair. International humanitarian law is not an optional code of conduct. Rather, it is a legal obligation, and violations must be punished. The resurgence of violence at the international level, as well as the growing number of conflicts throughout the world, have led to unspeakable suffering for civilian populations in Lebanon, Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan. Essential infrastructure, whether with regard to energy, health, or education, are increasingly being targeted. And once again, it is the most vulnerable populations that are hardest hit: women and young girls, children, persons with disabilities. We must pay special attention as well to journalists and humanitarian workers who are carrying out their work at risk of their lives. And here I pay tribute to all humanitarian workers that have died on in the field while aiding populations in need. In 2025, 350 humanitarian workers were killed, 322 were injured, 235 kidnapped, and 280 detained or arrested. These figures are unacceptable. Deliberate attacks against humanitarian workers are a serious violation of international humanitarian law and ought to be condemned. As part of our commitment to protecting humanitarian workers, Monaco has joined the Declaration on the Protection of Humanitarian Workers in 2025, and also has joined its Group of Friends in Geneva. Monaco has also joined in 2026 the Joint Declaration on the Protection of Humanitarian Workers in Lebanon, which is a partner country for our cooperation. Madam Chair, the principality contributes to multilateral mechanisms that ensure the practical implementation of international humanitarian law in conflict situations. the Office of the Coordination for Humanitarian Affairs, UNICEF, the World Food Programme, UNRWA, the High Commissioner of the UN for Refugees, and the Emergency Intervention Central Fund. At a time when need has never been so high and resources have never been so scant, the credibility of our organization is measured in our actions. Rest assured that Monaco will continue to fully play its role. Thank you. 6th Committee · Chair [52:07]: I thank the representative of Monaco for that statement, and I now give the floor to the representative of Ukraine. You have the floor, madam. Ukraine [52:19]: Thank you, madam Chair. Ukraine aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union and would like to add the following remarks in its national capacity. We thank the Secretary-General for his report. Ukraine is a party to all three additional protocols and has long recognized competence of the International Humanitarian Fact-Finding Commission. Since 2014, and on a massive scale since February 2024, our people have lived with the consequences of an aggression in which the Geneva Conventions and Protocol I are systematically disregarded. That is why Ukraine has made the implementation of IHL a systematic and whole-of-government effort. In 2024, Ukraine ratified the Rome Statute, together with the Kampala Amendments, And our criminal court criminalizes violations of the law and customs of war established by the international treaties binding on Ukraine. In applying it, our courts rely directly on the Geneva Conventions and their additional protocols. But accountability is only part of our obligations. Equally important is the duty to search for the missing and to inform their families. Ukraine has established a unified register of persons missing under special circumstances, which now holds data on more than 90,000 people, and a national information bureau in line with the Geneva Conventions. In February 2026, we adopted a law on the protections of children in areas of hostilities. Ukraine remains committed to the future of IHL. We join the global initiative to galvanize political commitment to IHL. In 2025, our Ministry for Foreign Affairs launched a platform for the progressive development of IHL. We draw particular attention to the remote recruitment of children through digital means to commit sabotage and violence. Existing rules do not adequately address this practice. Madam Chair. The Additional Protocols we discussed today exist to protect those who are most vulnerable in war. Yet in Russia's war against Ukraine, it is precisely these people, prisoners of war, civilians, and children, who suffer the most. What began as a flagrant breach of Article 2, paragraph 4 of the Charter has evolved into a sustained assault on the Geneva Conventions themselves. Torture in Russian captivity is a system, not an exception. More than 95% of released Ukrainian prisoners of war interviewed by the United Nations reported torture. More than half reported sexual violence. Almost all return severely starved, having lost 30 to 70 kilograms. Russia systematically denies them medical care, and some die as a result. Ukraine's Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights has recorded 345 executions of Ukrainian prisoners of war. Willful killing of prisoners of war is a grave breach of the Third Convention, and it is not subject to any statute of limitations. Russia holds our people in more than 300 places of detention, and the ICRC has access to none of them, contrary to Article 126. Russia also uses sham trials to prosecute our soldiers simply for defending their country, in disregard of combatant immunity. After conviction, they are removed from the list for release. Russia is also holding thousands of Ukrainian civilians. Hostage taking is prohibited under Article 34 of the Fourth Convention and is a grave breach. These civilians are the hardest to bring home. The fate of Victoria Roshina shows what this means in practice. A Ukrainian journalist, she disappeared in August 2023 while reporting from the occupied territories. She was held for more than a year without charge and was hidden from inspections. In September 2024, Russia announced her death in custody. When her body was finally returned to Ukraine, it bore signs of torture and several organs were missing. Weeks before her death, she weighed barely 30 kilograms. Russia has never explained how she died. Ukraine has opened criminal proceedings against the heads of the detention facilities where she was held. Her case is not an exception. It is a system. Crimes against children are especially cynical. Since February 2022, 744 Ukrainian children have been killed and more than 2,900 wounded. More than 20,000 children have been forcibly deported from the occupied territories to Russia, which refuses to acknowledge this or to return them. Ukraine, for its part, registers every Russian prisoner of war it holds and transmits their data to the ICRC, and it has opened its camps to foreign diplomats. We do so because the law does not depend on what the enemy does. Madam Chair. When there is political will, people come home. By the end of September, Ukraine had carried out 77 releases and brought 9,100 people home. Yet, women and the seriously wounded rarely return, and some have been held since 2014. We call on all states to put a pressure on the Russian Federation to release all unlawfully detained civilians and register all detainees. grant the ICRC and independent monitors unimpeded access to all places of detention. Return all deported Ukrainian children. We also call on States to take responsibility through their channels to Moscow for specific groups of prisoners and to impose targeted sanctions on those responsible for torture. We further call on States to support accountability through universal jurisdiction and international criminal proceedings. I thank you. 6th Committee · Chair [58:37]: Thank the distinguished delegate of Ukraine for that statement. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Zambia. You have the floor, sir. Zambia [58:54]: Madam Chairperson, I thank you for giving me the floor. The Zambian delegation thanks the Secretary-General for his report on the status of the protocols additional to the Geneva Conventions of 1949. Zambia reaffirms its unwavering commitment to international humanitarian law and to the principles enshrined in the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their additional protocols. These instruments constitute a cornerstone of the international legal framework governing armed conflict and provide essential protection to to those who are not or are no longer participating in hostilities. At a time when armed conflicts continue to cause immense human suffering and displacement, the continued respect for international humanitarian law is now more important than ever. Madam Chairperson, Zambia recognizes the important contribution of the Additional Protocols to strengthening the protection of victims of armed conflicts. In particular, the protocols provide important rules aimed at limiting the effects of armed conflict and protecting civilians, wounded and sick persons, medical personnel, prisoners of war, and other persons who are afforded protection under international humanitarian law. Zambia underscores that the protection of civilians must remain at the center of international humanitarian efforts. Civilians should not be deliberately targeted, and parties to armed conflicts must comply with the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution in the conduct of hostilities. Attention must also be given to children, women, persons with disabilities, older persons, and other persons in vulnerable situations who are disproportionately affected by armed conflict. The protection of civilian infrastructure and objects is indispensable to civilian survival and is equally important. Attacks against medical facilities, humanitarian personnel, and other protected persons and objects undermine the principles of humanity and have devastating consequences for affected populations. Zambia further emphasizes the importance of ensuring safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access to populations affected by armed conflict. Humanitarian personnel must be protected and allowed to carry out their functions without intimidation, obstruction or attack. Madam Chairperson, Zambia attaches particular importance to the relationship between international humanitarian law and the broader international legal framework for the protection of human rights and the maintenance of international peace and security. Respect for the Charter of the United Nations, international humanitarian law, and international human rights law contribute to preventing violations, reducing human suffering, and creating conditions conducive to sustainable peace. The challenge before the international community is, therefore, not the absence of legal standards, but ensuring their universal respect, effective implementation, and enforcement. Zambia believes that the continued relevance of the Geneva Conventions and the Additional Protocols demonstrates the enduring importance of international humanitarian law in protecting human dignity during armed conflict. Zambia commends the International Committee of the Red Cross for its unrelenting efforts in working with States to ensure that contemporary challenges are addressed through appropriate legal and institutional frameworks. As I conclude, Madam Chairperson, the Zambian delegation remains firmly committed to the protection of civilians and other persons affected by armed conflict and to the strengthening of international humanitarian law. Zambia is a state party to two of the additional protocols and has domesticated numerous other legal instruments aimed at the strengthening of international humanitarian law. Zambia stands ready to cooperate with other Member States to advance the cause of peace and will continue to support international efforts aimed at promoting universal respect for the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols. I thank you for your kind attention. 6th Committee · Chair [1:03:37]: I thank the distinguished. Representative of Zambia for that statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation. You have the floor, sir. Russian Federation [1:03:50]: Madam Chair, the Russian Federation is committed to strict compliance with obligations under the 1949 Geneva Conventions and its two additional protocols of 1977. Despite the changes that have occurred since these instruments were adopted, both in the nature of armed conflict as well as in the technologies used, the Geneva Conventions and their protocols remain fully relevant and are crucial to the protection of victims of armed conflicts. They establish effective mechanisms for limiting the means and methods of warfare available to states. Although the main provisions of these instruments are viewed by a majority as being rules of customary international law, there remains a need to further universalize them. However, there has been no progress to speak of in this regard. Over the reporting period, only one state acceded to the additional protocols. We call on all countries that have not yet acceded to these treaties for whatever reason to reconsider. Consistent implementation of the Geneva Conventions and their additional protocols by all parties must remain an imperative. Madam Chair, we believe that the existing international legal framework in this area is sufficient. The causes of the plight of civilians in modern armed conflicts lie mainly in non-compliance with existing rules, their arbitrary interpretation, and their selective application. Applying different standards when assessing similar actions, depending on who is committing them and which conflict they occur in, undermines the authority of international humanitarian law and erodes confidence in the institutions that are mandated to promote compliance with it. IHL obligations cannot depend on political preferences, alliances, or other expedient considerations. It is unacceptable to impose requirements on one party to a conflict and at the same time exempt other parties from complying with those same requirements. We do not support revising the Geneva Conventions and additional protocols or expanding their scope beyond the provisions agreed upon by states. We also oppose the establishment of additional mechanisms and fora to discuss the implementation of IHL obligations. including under the global initiative launched by the International Committee of the Red Cross, together with a number of states. We see no reason to believe that creating new negotiation formats will address the lack of political will to fulfill obligations that already have been assumed. Practical outcomes can be achieved through consistent measures at the national level. These include improving law enforcement, providing military personnel comprehensive training on IHL compliance, disseminating knowledge about IHL, and holding those responsible for their violations accountable. International assistance in these efforts must be provided with respect for the state's prerogatives and strict adherence to the principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence of humanitarian action. Madam Chair, we have carefully read the report of the Secretary-General and have taken note of the information contained within it. We have noted reports from individual states regarding their participation in political declarations and other initiatives. These include the 2022 Political Declaration on Strengthening the Protection of Civilians from the Humanitarian Consequences Arising from the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas and the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel. In this regard, we believe it is crucial to emphasize that joining a political document, however noble its stated aims may be, does not, in and of itself, demonstrate compliance with international legal obligations. For example, a number of Western countries that are signatories to and vocally advocate for the Political Declaration on the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas have themselves supplied explosive weapons, including high-yield bombs that have been used in Gaza, which is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. These same countries are providing Ukraine with these explosive weapons and munitions that are being used against civilian objects and even residential buildings in the Russian Federation. As you can see, their words and deeds diverge greatly. The West does not care about IHL when its own geopolitical interests are at stake. We also emphasize that these documents, which do not enjoy universal support, cannot replace agreed treaty norms or serve as the basis for imposing new standards of conduct upon states. In our view, the proliferation of these initiatives will actually move us further away from the main objective, which is full and strict compliance with IHL by all parties to armed conflicts. especially troubled by attempts to portray political agreements between a limited group of participants as generally accepted in practice. interpretations of existing law. This approach risks diluting the substance of IHL, deepening disagreement, and ultimately further worsening the current situation. The current situation around the world clearly shows that the many declarations and unilateral initiatives that have been taken have not brought about necessary change. It would be misguided to treat their adoption as an achievement in its own right without assessing the actual conduct of states and its consequences for protected persons. The criteria of effectiveness should be measured by tangible results in protecting people. Madam Chair, we've heard during this debate certain voices that support the International Criminal Court. In reality, this body has nothing to do whatsoever with justice, and many states have already realized this and taken the only correct decision, that is, to withdraw from it. According to authoritative international studies, the activities of such bodies do not facilitate, but rather hinder, conflict resolution. However, we see no point in beginning a lengthy discussion on this matter. We simply would like to note that the very mention of this odious pseudo-legal body under this agenda item is surprising to us. Madam Chair, we are forced to respond to yet another series of anti-Russian attacks by the Ukrainian delegation. The Russian Federation played a pioneering role in establishing the fundamental norms of IHL and is fully committed to strict compliance with those obligations. All allegations from Ukraine to the contrary are nothing more than part of an ongoing disinformation campaign in an attempt to divert attention from Ukraine's own countless and appalling violations of IHL. On October 14th, at our initiative, a meeting of the UN Security Council was held under the ARRIA format on the topic addressing the blind spots of violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law in the context of the Ukrainian crisis, focused on the actions of the armed forces of Ukraine. We strongly recommend that all interested delegations familiarize themselves with the expert statements from that meeting. During this meeting, the Ambassador-at-Large of the Russian Ministry for Foreign Affairs for crimes committed by the Kyiv regime, Mr. Miroshnik, presented a detailed briefing on the countless crimes systematically committed by the Zelensky regime, drawing, among other things, upon his personal experience visiting areas affected by the atrocities of neo-Nazis. For example, since the beginning of this year alone, 484 children have been injured and 72 were killed by the armed forces of Ukraine. The Ukrainian armed groups don't care either about their protected status of medical personnel. In the current year, 116 medical workers have been affected by the actions of Ukrainian armed groups, 24 of which have been killed. With the support and approval of their Western sponsors who pretend that these egregious violations are not taking place, Ukraine has been emboldened by its sense of impunity and is now escalating its war crimes. In particular, over the past six months, the Kyiv regime has stepped up its terrorist campaign, increasing the number of drone attacks against civilian infrastructure three- to fourfold. Madam Chair. Listing the flagrant and well-documented violations of IHL committed by the Kyiv regime could take all day. However, we see no point in shifting this debate to this forum and wasting our valuable time. We are convinced that the Sixth Committee's work on this agenda item ought to help preserve the integrity of international humanitarian law and ensure that States fulfill their obligations in good faith. We note with satisfaction that overall the debate has mainly remained professional and free of politicization. We look forward to further professional discussions grounded in agreed legal norms and that are free from politicization and selective approaches. Thank you. 6th Committee · Chair [1:13:00]: I thank the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation for that statement, and I now give the floor to the representative of the Syrian Arab Republic. Mr. Ambassador, you have the floor. Syrian Arab Republic · Permanent Representative [1:13:17]: Madam Chair. The Syrian people have long endured the defunct regime's shelling of hospitals, schools, and places of worship, which claimed lives and inflicted damage and humanitarian suffering. As such, we attach great importance to the effective respect of IHL, mainly the Geneva Conventions of 1949. These conventions serve as a fundamental legal framework to protect victims of armed conflicts and uphold human dignity. We renew our commitment to upholding and implementing these rules at the national level, which ensures the protection of civilians and civilian objects. Madam Chair. As soon as the Syrians turned the page on humanitarian suffering, they endured other grave violations affecting the fundamental rights of civilians. On 8 September 2026, in a press briefing, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry highlighted the findings of its field visits to Quneitra and Daraa last July. It documented mounting Israeli violations in southern Syria, including repeated military incursions, demolitions, inspections, abduction and detention of civilians, including children, the transfer of detainees to Israel, and the establishment of military checkpoints on Syrian territory. These acts violate the Geneva Conventions and IHL and may amount to war crimes as concluded by the Commission. On occupation, the IHL is unequivocal. Occupying powers must ensure the safety of civilians in occupied territories, must respect the temporary nature of occupation, and maintain the pre-occupation status quo in occupied territories. International law is also clear. Occupation cannot serve as a legitimate legal basis for the acquisition of territory. The occupation power does not have sovereignty over occupied territories. Annexation attempts are unlawful, null and void, and have no legal effect. Madam Chair, Syria pursues its efforts to ensure national respect of IHL, uphold rule of law, and accountability for grave violations. As proof, In May 2026, we joined the global initiative to galvanize political commitment to IHL. This reflects our effective contribution to international efforts to promote respect and implementation of international humanitarian law. The paradox is clear. In conclusion, Syria shoulders its national responsibilities in enhancing rule of law, promoting civilians, holding perpetrators accountable, and rebuilding state institutions. IHL cannot be upheld if those who violated are not held accountable. This accountability is not only a right to justice and remedy for victims, but is also a guarantee against non-recurrence and impunity. We thank the international community for standing by Syria at this critical and sensitive juncture. We look forward to its continued diplomatic and political support. This support must now translate into tangible measures to end Israeli violations, ensure respect of our sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. Thank you, Madam Chair. 6th Committee · Chair [1:17:15]: I thank the Permanent Representative of the Syrian Arab Republic for his statement and I give the floor to the Distinguished Representative of Hungary. Madam, you have the floor. Hungary [1:17:28]: Thank you, Madam Chair. Hungary aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union on behalf of the EU and its Member States and would like to offer some additional remarks in its national capacity. At the outset, I would like to thank the Secretary General for his comprehensive report, as well as the International Committee of the Red Cross for its valuable contribution to prompting respect for international humanitarian law. Hungary is a state party to all four Geneva Conventions and their three additional protocols, and remains firmly committed to their full and effective implementation. Against the backdrop of the growing number and complexity of armed conflicts worldwide, ensuring respect for international humanitarian law is more important than ever. Attacks against civilians, particularly children and women, hospitals, school, cultural property, medical and humanitarian personnel are unfortunately part of our reality. Raising awareness and strengthening the respect for international humanitarian law is particularly important. We firmly believe that the protection of persons who are not or no longer taking part in these hostilities must remain at the center of our collective efforts. In this regard, the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution must be respected at all times. Madam Chair, strengthening compliance with international humanitarian law requires not only renewed political commitment, but also concrete measures to ensure its effective implementation. Hungary therefore attaches particular importance to international efforts aimed at translating existing legal obligations into practical action. In this context, we welcome the Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Commitment for International Humanitarian Law, which provides an important platform for strengthening the impartial, consistent, and universal application of international humanitarian law. We particularly appreciate the initiative's focus on developing concrete and actionable recommendations through its thematic work streams with a view to addressing current and emerging challenges and improving compliance with existing obligations. We look forward to the global IHL dialogue in Geneva in this November and the high level meeting in Jordan on 7 December. We hope that these discussions will help translate political commitments into practical measures and the work streams will result in recommendations that move forward the implementation of IHL. Hungary's commitment to the effective implementation of IHL is also reflected in our engagement with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Madam Chair, alongside efforts to strengthen the legal framework, we believe that effective humanitarian action and international cooperation are indispensable to mitigate human suffering in armed conflicts. Hungary highly values the work of the International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Hungary continues to actively support both organizations, including through significant financial support to the International Federation's Regional Office for Europe and Global Service Center, both located in Budapest. Building on this cooperation, we are also pleased to announce that the Regional Humanitarian Diplomacy Forum for Europe and Central Asia will be hosted in Budapest this week. We trust that the forum will contribute to strengthening dialogue and cooperation among humanitarian actors. Madam Chair, in conclusion, Hungary remains firmly committed to prompting respect for international humanitarian law and ensuring the effective implementation of the Geneva Conventions and their additional protocols. We believe that the sustained political commitment, practical implementation, and international cooperation must go hand in hand to ensure better protection for all persons affected by armed conflicts. I thank you. 6th Committee · Chair [1:21:27]: I thank the distinguished representative of Hungary for her statements, and I give the floor to the permanent representative of Azerbaijan. Mr. Ambassador, you have the floor. Azerbaijan · Permanent Representative [1:21:38]: Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, Azerbaijan is firmly committed to the fundamental principles and rules of international humanitarian law. We condemn all violations of the laws and customs of war and underscore the critical importance of accountability for such violations. Azerbaijan has consistently promoted IHL at both the national and international levels. Among the notable initiatives in this regard are the General Assembly biennial resolution on missing persons, the Commission on the Status of Women resolution on the release of women and children taken hostage, including those subsequently imprisoned in armed conflicts, the Human Rights Council resolutions on the protection of cultural rights and property, in situations of armed conflict and on the impact of anti-personnel mines on the full enjoyment of human rights, as well as the resolution on the impact of landmines on cultural property, adopted at the 15th meeting of the High Contracting Parties to the 1954 Hague Convention on the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict. Azerbaijan also contributed to the drafting and publication of the UNESCO Military Manual on the Protection of Cultural Property, the first international training tool of this kind intended to disseminate relevant legal obligations through targeted awareness-raising activities and to serve as a practical guide for armed forces, including peacekeeping forces. Madam Chair, Azerbaijan provided information for this year's report of the Secretary-General on the matter, the full text of which is available on the website of the Sixth Committee. I would like to highlight the following points. Despite significant progress in advancing the peace agenda in our region, civilians in my country continue to be killed or injured by landmines and other explosive remnants of war. The fate and whereabouts of thousands of Azerbaijanis who went missing in connection with the former armed conflict is another pressing humanitarian issue. Moreover, the majority of those responsible for serious crimes committed in the course of the conflict are being sheltered by third countries, where they continue to enjoy impunity. At the same time, a number of military personnel and leaders of the former occupation regime has been duly prosecuted and convicted. and is currently serving sentences in Azerbaijan for a range of offences committed within its territory. They include planning, preparing, initiating and waging a war of aggression, genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, terrorism and financing of terrorism, establishing a criminal organisation, forcible seizure of power, and the creation of armed groups and units not provided for by law. Most of the acts underlying these offences constitute crimes under international law and involve violations of peremptory norms of general international law, jus cogens, as well as serious breaches of obligations owed to the international community as a whole, erga omnes. States are required to investigate and prosecute such crimes pursuant to the relevant legally binding instruments, including the 1949 Geneva Conventions and the 1977 First Additional Protocol thereto, as well as customary international law. Accordingly, blanket amnesties, de facto impunity or other forms of immunity and early release for persons responsible for the most serious international crimes are incompatible with States' obligations under international law. As such crimes constitute attacks on universal values, no State should arrogate to itself the right to absolve their perpetrators or to disregard their legal consequences. By the same token, calls for the release of persons convicted of serious international offences, including those voiced by non-governmental actors influenced by ethnic lobbying groups or driven by xenophobia or domestic political considerations, are equally unfounded and contrary to international law. Notably, such calls are inherently self-incriminating, emanating from those who claim to champion human rights, while at the same time overlooking the fact that advocacy on behalf of war criminals is itself incompatible with international human rights law. Madam Chair, the international community must remain steadfast in opposing impunity for the most serious crimes and in standing with victims, survivors and their families. Experience demonstrates that atrocities left unpunished or unacknowledged can impede peace, obstruct reconciliation and create conditions conducive to renewed conflict. Allowing genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, ethnic cleansing, or acts of international terrorism to go unpunished risks undermining the very foundation upon which lasting peace must rest. Justice helps establish the truth, preserve the historical record, counter denial and revisionism, restore the dignity of victims and survivors, and provide a foundation for genuine reconciliation. It also reinforces the rule of law and strengthens confidence that grave violations will not be tolerated. Peace and accountability are not competing objectives. The pursuit of peace must not come at the expense of justice. There can be no genuine reconciliation without accountability and no lasting peace without justice. I thank you. 6th Committee · Chair [1:28:37]: I thank the permanent representative of Azerbaijan for his statements, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Sir, you have the floor. Iran (Islamic Republic of) [1:28:59]: Thank you, Madam Chair. At the very heart of international humanitarian law is the elementary consideration of humanity. For IHL aims to preserve humanity amid the horrors of war and protect human life and dignity. As the International Court of Justice once opined, many rules of humanitarian law are fundamental to the respect of the human person, and unfortunately, Despite these fundamental principles and comprehensive body of international humanitarian law developed over decades, the world continues to witness flagrant and systematic violations of its most basic rules. Just a couple of months ago, the United States and the Israeli regime, in the course of their blatant aggression against my country, demonstrated how the most fundamental principles and rules of international law, including international humanitarian law, can be gravely undermined by flagrant violations. Their disregard for international humanitarian law was manifested not just through words, but through deliberate attacks against Iranian civilians, civilian objects protected under international humanitarian law. The aggressors began their war of aggression by killing innocent children. On 28 February 2026, The very first day of the aggression against my country, the United States ruthlessly attacked the Shajarat al-Tayeb Elementary School in the city of Minab, killing 168 school children and teachers. Children between the ages of six and 11 were butchered in this horrific attack. So devastating was the attack that the remains of Maqan Nasiri, a seven-year-old boy, were never found. leaving his family without even the possibility of bidding him a final farewell. The aggressors also attacked a wide range of civilian objects protected under the IHL, including educational institutions, hospitals, medical facilities, sports centers, scientific and research institutions, cultural and historical sites, and other infrastructure essential to civilian life. The catastrophic consequences of these wanton attacks against my country have been reflected in documents submitted to the United Nations Security Council, including as contained in document S/2026/637 and document S/2026/739. Madam Chair, in Palestine, innocent people are being targeted on a daily basis, schools and hospitals being attacked. and starvation being used as a weapon of warfare, while genocide within genocide being committed, and millions of people deprived of basic humanitarian assistance. Whether in committing genocide against Palestinian people or in carrying out aggression against my country, the wrongdoers have demonstrated deeply concerning trends in violating the IHL. That is, replacing the principle of distinction with deliberate attacks against schools filled with children as hospitals treating patients. The principle of proportionality with devastating attacks that killed hundreds of innocent children and caused severe destruction of civilian infrastructure. And the principle of precaution with attacks carried out in blatant disregard for the foreseeable consequences for civilian lives. What international humanitarian law was designed to protect became the very object of their attacks, and what it was designed to prevent became their deliberate routine. The international community is at a critical juncture, Madam Chair. As the committee considers the present agenda item pertaining to international humanitarian law, we must not lose sight of the fact that such violations cannot be treated as ordinary occurrences of armed conflict. Rather, they reflect a systematic policy, violating the most fundamental principles and rules of international humanitarian law, with devastating consequences for civilian population. Such conduct constitutes a direct assault on the very foundations of the IHL. What the international community must do is to not allow such conducts become normalized through silence, inaction, and impunity. We expect the international community, particularly those that profess their genuine commitment to international humanitarian law, to demonstrate that commitment through unequivocal condemnation of these grave violations and concrete measures to ensure accountability. The credibility of international humanitarian law depends not on the declarations, but on the willingness to uphold its rules, even when those rules are being violated. We must not allow the elementary consideration of humanity to become empty words, nor permit international humanitarian law to be reduced to a tool of political convenience. Madam Chair, for its part, the Islamic Republic of Iran attaches great importance to the role of international humanitarian law, in particular the four Geneva Conventions of 1949, in regulating conduct in warfare and providing protection standards of humane treatment and fundamental guarantees of respect to victims of armed conflicts. As a party to the 1949 Geneva Conventions since their inception, Iran reiterates its commitment to the relevant applicable international legal obligations. To better implement the provisions of the Geneva Conventions at the national level, An ad hoc working group has been established within the Iranian judiciary for drafting a new law aimed at strengthening relevant domestic legal frameworks. Members of the said working group include high-ranking judges, prosecutors, lawyers, prominent university professors, and representatives of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Justice. Iran has endeavored to disseminate and implement IHL and relevant instruments through the activities of the Iranian National Committee on Humanitarian Law, NCHL. with the support of the International Committee of the Red Cross, ICRC. To this end, the ICRC and the NCHL jointly implement projects at the national level, which includes translation of several ICRC resources into Persian, such as the updated commentary to the first Geneva Conventions of 1949. To conclude, we wish to underline our steadfast belief to disseminate and promote knowledge of international humanitarian law and uphold humanitarian norms and values. I thank you. 6th Committee · Chair [1:35:53]: I thank the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran for his statement. And I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Belgium. Madam, you have the floor. Belgium [1:36:04]: Thank you, Madam Chair. It's a pleasure to see you heading up our work this morning. Belgium aligns itself with the statement made by the European Union and thanks to the Secretary-General for his report on this agenda item. This debate offers us a new opportunity to recall the fundamental importance of the Protocols Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 1949, which are one of the pillars of international humanitarian law. When fully implemented, they can enable us to strengthen, effectively, the protection of victims of armed conflicts. Belgium calls upon all States who have not yet done so to ratify the additional protocols and to ensure that they are fully implemented. Their universal implementation remains an essential objective in order to ensure as broad protection as possible for the persons affected by armed conflicts and to strengthen respect for IHL. Furthermore, Belgium calls upon all States Parties to the First Protocol to recognize the competence of the International Humanitarian Fact-Finding Commission. The Commission is the only permanent international body established by an IHL treaty that is tasked with investigating allegations of violations of international humanitarian law. Madam Chair, the main challenge that we face today is not the absence of rules. The rules do exist. They are They're relevant and broadly accepted. The real challenge lies elsewhere in the political will, the real political will to respect and to enforce IHL. Grave violations continue to be committed in many conflicts, causing unacceptable suffering for the civilian populations. In this regard, Belgium wishes to applaud the global initiative to galvanize political commitment to IHL, launched in 2021. by the ICRC, South Africa, Brazil, China, France, Kazakhstan and Jordan. This initiative is a precious contribution to efforts to promote respect for IHL, to strengthen political commitment to it and to encourage the sharing of good practices. We call upon all States to participate at the highest level in the high-level conference to take place on the 7th of December this year in Jordan. Madam Chair, in order for it to be effective, international humanitarian law must be implemented before conflicts begin. Belgium therefore wishes to underscore the importance of its effective implementation on a domestic level and this during peacetime. States have the primary responsibility to include their international obligations in their domestic legal order, in particular by adopting adequate legislation, by disseminating IHL by training their armed forces and by strengthening national prevention mechanisms and mechanisms to punish violations. Solid national implementation is an essential condition for the law to be effectively respected. The fight against impunity remains an essential element of respect for international humanitarian law. The ultimate responsibility for preventing, investigating and prosecuting the perpetrators of the most grave international crimes, including war crimes, lies with states. National jurisdictions are the first rampart against impunity. To this end, States must adopt the necessary legislative, administrative and judicial measures to prevent these crimes, to prosecute the perpetrators and to provide the victims with effective remedies. Belgium also reaffirms its steadfast support to the International Criminal Court. This Court plays an essential role in the international counter impunity architecture Pursuant to the principle of complementarity enshrined in the Rome Statute, the Court's job is not to replace national jurisdictions, but rather it only intervenes when national jurisdictions do not have the capacity or the willingness to intervene. The principle of complementarity thus strengthens the primary responsibility of states for the prosecution of the perpetrators of the most grave crimes. Madam Chair, before I conclude, my delegation wishes to pay tribute to ICRC personnel and to the personnel of national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies, as well as to all other humanitarian workers and humanitarian personnel who often, at the risk of their own lives, engage in essential missions to support the populations affected by armed conflicts. Their courage, their devotion and their commitment embody the values of humanity that are at the heart of the Geneva Conventions and their additional protocols. Belgium is particularly concerned by the increase in attacks that target these people. These attacks are unacceptable and constitute a direct threat. to the vulnerable people that depend on this assistance for their survival. Humanitarian and health personnel, their facilities and their means of transport must be respected and protected in all circumstances. Through their daily work, humanitarian workers and health personnel remind us of a reality that's too often forgotten, that respect for international humanitarian law is not an option. Rather, it is a legal and moral obligation that seeks in all circumstances to preserve our common humanity. Thank you. 6th Committee · Chair [1:41:37]: I thank the distinguished representative of Belgium. for your statement, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kuwait. Sir, you have the floor. Kuwait [1:41:51]: Madam Chair, we would like to reaffirm the importance of the 1949 Geneva Conventions and their additional protocols, which are the cornerstone of the international humanitarian law system. These rules aim to mitigate the horrors of war and armed conflict and to protect civilians. We emphasize that respect for IHL must never be selective or contingent upon any circumstance or conflict. We are deeply concerned about the continued serious violations of the rules and principles of IHL in various parts of the world, and the resulting increase in human suffering, especially in our region. These rules are not simply theoretical commitments. These are essential safeguards for protecting human dignity during armed conflicts. Their effectiveness is measured by the extent to which they are respected and implemented. In this regard, we emphasize that protecting civilians and civilian objects, ensuring delivery of humanitarian assistance, protecting humanitarian workers, and refraining from targeting them, these are firmly established obligations under IHL. All parties to conflicts must respect and comply with these obligations. The principles enshrined in the Additional Protocols of the Geneva Conventions foremost of which is the distinction between civilians and combatants, and between civilian objects and military objectives. Proportionality, precaution, and protection to the wounded and sick, as well as humanitarian personnel, are of special importance. We reiterate the importance of promoting accession to the relevant instruments and implementing them at the national level. in accordance with each state's applicable international obligations. Madam Chair, the State of Kuwait has striven, based on its profound conviction of the importance of IHL, to strengthen its national framework for implementing its international obligations in this area. In this regard, in 2025, we adopted a number of important legislative measures, including Decree Law No. 134 of 2025 on the use and protection of the emblems of the Red Crescent and Red Cross, with the goal of strengthening the protection of these emblems and to prevent their misuse in keeping with the obligations arising from the Geneva Conventions and IHL. We have also adopted Decree Law No. 154 of 2025 on the protection of missing persons. This legislation establishes a national framework for tracing persons who go missing during armed conflict and guarantees their families the right to know the fate of their loved ones and to obtain information. It also strengthens cooperation with the relevant national and international bodies. We attach particular importance to this issue based upon our national experience with prisoners of war and missing persons. We continue to strive to determine the fate of these disappeared persons and to alleviate the suffering of their families. We reiterate the importance of implementing SC Resolution 2474. which we presented when we were a member of the Security Council. We believe the issue of missing persons is a humanitarian and legal issue that requires international cooperation. For our part, we've continued to cooperate with the ICRC. Resolution 2474, introduced by Kuwait, as I mentioned, is a significant contribution to placing the issue of missing persons and information upon them at the heart of our action. we had the protecting IHL is not limited to developing legislative frameworks. It also requires raising awareness about these principles, education, exchanging experience, expertise, and best practices, and ensuring effective application of IHL at the national level. In this regard, we have a national committee for IHL that ensures the application of our international obligations, Madam Chair. As you can see, throughout the world, the armed conflicts and their devastating humanitarian consequences, it is more important than ever to uphold the rules and principles of IHL instead of weakening them. We reiterate our call on all states to fulfill their obligations under the Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocols. We call for respect for IHL and their full and effective implementation, and we as well as holding those responsible for serious violations accountable. We recall the need to respect the principles of national sovereignty and to refrain from the use or threat of force. In this regard, we condemn the heinous Iranian aggression against the state of Kuwait, the states of the GCC, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. These attacks are a flagrant violation of the principles and purposes of the UN Charter and international law. We warn against any further escalation and a widening of the conflict in the region. In addition, this aggression against civilian objects in Kuwait, including water desalination plants, constitute an attempt to undermine people's access to the very essence of life, that is, water. The targeting of the Kuwait International Airport and various other civilian facilities, including the Institute for Social Security, demonstrate the approach that is being used that is threatening and terrorizing civilians and disrupting their interests. This is a violation of international humanitarian law. These actions have cost the lives of a number of civilians in Kuwait. These heinous Iranian attacks have jeopardized security and stability in Kuwait. We also recall that the targeting of our cities and as well as oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz is reckless disregard for international peace and security. We recall the need to guarantee freedom of navigation and transit through the Strait of Hormuz. We recall Resolution 2817 of the Security Council, sponsored by 136 states. Iran must uphold its obligations under international law, Security Council resolutions as well, which guarantee international peace and security. We recall that targeting vital infrastructure, including water desalination plants, is a serious violation of international law regarding the protecting civilian objects and objects indispensable to the survival of civilians. It's important to strictly comply with the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution. Madam Chair, we condemn in the strongest terms the attacks against and the targeting of civilian objects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by the Houthis, as well as the targeting of the King Khalid International Airport and the King Fahd International Airport, which resulted in the deaths of a number of citizens and foreigners. and which endangered the lives of civilians in an egregious violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It also is a threat to civil aviation. We condemn as well the policies and practices of the occupying power against the Palestinian people, including starvation, forced displacement, genocide, settlement construction and attacks on civilians. These are clear violations of IHL and international law. These threaten international and regional peace and security. We emphasize the importance of ensuring delivery of humanitarian assistance and ending the illegal occupation of the State of Palestine, which is facing apartheid. And we reaffirm that a just solution to this problem is a two-state solution with the establishment of a Palestinian State within the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital. From the point of view of IHL, the occupying power has a duty to protect the civilian population, to prohibit forcible displacement, to respect civilian objects, and to facilitate delivery of humanitarian aid, rather than instrumentalizing the suffering of civilians. In closing, we reiterate our commitment to strengthening national and international efforts to uphold IHL and to protect victims of armed conflict. affirm our willingness to cooperate with member states, the UN, and all relevant parties to ensure respect for international humanitarian law and to alleviate the suffering of civilians. 6th Committee · Chair [1:51:23]: I thank you for that statement and now give the floor to the representative of the United States. You have the floor, madam. United States of America [1:51:33]: Thank you, Madam Chair. The United States has long been a strong proponent of international humanitarian law, which we often also refer to as the law of war or the law of armed conflict. The United States continues to promote the appropriate development of IHL, implement its IHL obligations effectively in US military operations, and encourage other states and parties to conflicts to effectively implement their obligations in their operations. While the appropriate development and effective implementation of international humanitarian law are of great importance to the United States, we would note that this agenda item has a specific focus. It was added to the committee's agenda in 1982 to provide for periodic updates on the status of ratifications and accessions to the additional protocols to the Geneva Conventions. There have only been a handful of changes to the status of states' ratifications and accessions over the past decade. In this context, and in light of the committee's revitalization work, we believe this agenda should be considered for quadrant, quadrant, dry annualization. Sorry, that was difficult to pronounce. Turning to the additional protocols. For our part, the United States is a party to the third additional protocol to the Geneva Conventions, relating to the adoption of an additional distinctive emblem, protocol three, but is not a party to the 1977 additional protocols. The U.S. President submitted Additional Protocol II relating to the protection of victims of non-international armed conflicts to the U.S. Senate in 1987 for its advice and consent to ratification, and it remains pending there in our Senate. After multiple reviews, the executive branch has informed the Senate that U.S. military practice is already consistent with Additional Protocol II's provisions, subject to certain proposed reservations, understandings, and declarations. Although the United States continues to have significant concerns about many aspects of Additional Protocol I relating to the protection of victims of international armed conflicts, the United States has chosen, out of a sense of legal obligation, to treat the principles set forth in Article 75 thereof as applicable to any individual it detains in an international armed conflict. We expect all other nations to do likewise. Furthermore, some provisions of Additional Protocol I have been incorporated into instruments to which the United States is a party, such as Amended Protocol II and Protocol III to the Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons Which May Be Deemed to be Excessively Injurious or to Have Indiscriminate Effects, and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child concerning the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict. As the United States has found it necessary to defend itself and its allies and partners in the past two years, it remains steadfast in its effective implementation of IHL in US military operations. These efforts include an overarching US Department of War program to comply with the law of war, which assigns responsibilities and outlines procedures throughout the Department of War for IHL implementation. For example, military lawyers advise commanders on the issuance of rules of engagement and operational plans. Department of War lawyers also advise decision makers on proposed targets or on the acquisition of new weapons to ensure consistency with US obligations. The US Department of War has built an enduring framework for IHL implementation that will continue to ensure compliance in the future. With respect to Iran's allegations regarding U.S. actions, U.S. officials have consistently made clear the United States takes seriously its obligations under IHL, including regarding the protection of civilians. The protection of civilians is of utmost importance, and we will continue to take the necessary precautions to reduce the risk of harm to civilians and civilian objects. The United States also continues to be a transparent party committed to sharing its good practices and legal interpretations and encouraging all states and parties to armed conflicts to comply with our IHL obligations. For example, the United States continues to share legal interpretations and good practices with other states, non-governmental organizations, and the public. In this regard, the Department of War's Office of General Counsel's website contains materials that reflect US legal interpretations on the law of war and that illustrate US military practice in the law of war, including the Department of War's Law of War Manual and the Department's overarching law of war program that I already mentioned. The United States has also actively shared its legal interpretations and good practices in international discussions on IHL issues. For example, in the global initiative to galvanize political commitment to IHL, the United States has provided U.S. views, legal interpretations, and relevant practices in each of the seven work streams of that initiative, although we have not yet made a decision on whether to formally join the initiative. We appreciate the efforts of the ICRC and the co-chairs in convening states to discuss IHL implementation at a technical level. However, we note that the seven outcome documents prepared through the ICRC's consultation process do not reflect the views of all of the participating states. Moreover, nothing in these outcome documents modifies the existing rights and obligations of states and parties to armed conflict under international law, nor do these documents contribute to the formation of customary international law, since they constitute neither opinio juris nor state practice. The United States has also actively engaged in the CCW group of governmental experts on emerging technologies in the area of lethal autonomous weapon systems by, for example, submitting a proposal joined by 10 other states in 2025 to clarify the application of IHL and to specify measures to satisfy applicable IHL requirements. The United States' supportive and positive engagement helped the CCW GGE to reach consensus on a significant outcome in September of this year, and the United States continues to support the CCW as the appropriate forum to address legal autonomous weapons systems. Looking ahead to the negotiation of this year's resolution, as noted as the outset, we believe the committee's consideration of this agenda item's periodicity should be reconsidered. We also believe the text of the resolution should be appropriately reflect the specific focus of the agenda item. In this regard, we note that for several sessions now, the resolution has included extraneous references to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. The United States and a number of delegations have repeatedly raised concerns about the inclusion of this language, especially as many six committee members are not parties to the Rome Statute. There is already a plenary resolution on the ICC that is being negotiated in parallel, and it is not necessary to include references to the Rome Statute in six committee products. The United States does not accept such references and will seek their removal from this year's resolution. The United States' views regarding the ICC are well known. We hope other delegations will approach the negotiation of this year's resolution constructively and work with us on removing this divisive issue from the work of the Sixth Committee. Thank you. 6th Committee · Chair [1:59:03]: I thank the distinguished delegate of. The United States for that statement, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sierra Leone. You have the floor, sir. Sierra Leone [1:59:16]: Thank you, Madam Chair. Serene is honored to speak on this important agenda item, which concerns the continued vitality, universalization, and effective implementation of the protocols additional to the Geneva Convention of 1949. The four Geneva Conventions of 1949 remain the cornerstone of international humanitarian law. They have achieved universal ratifications, reflecting the shared recognition that even in war, humanity, dignity, and basic protections must endure. The Additional Protocols of 1977 strengthened that framework. Additional Protocol I develops protection for victims of international armed conflict, while Additional Protocol II extends protection to victims of non-international armed conflict, which remains the predominant form of armed conflict in many regions, including Africa. A third additional protocol adopted in 2005 established the red crystal as an additional distinctive emblem. Madam Chair, Sierra Leone attaches particular importance to these instruments. Our country acceded to the Geneva Conventions in 1965 and became a party to the additional protocols I and II in 1986. Sierra Leone's own experience of armed conflict taught us a painful but enduring lesson: humanitarian law is not an abstract legal exercise. It is a shield for civilians, children, women, the wounded, detainees, medical personnel, and humanitarian workers. It is also a foundation for reconciliation, accountability, and sustainable peace. Chair, ratification is essential, but it is only the first step. The real measure of commitment lies in implementation. States must incorporate the provisions of the Additional Protocols into domestic law, train armed forces and security personnel, ensure effective command responsibility, investigate and prosecute serious violations, and protect humanitarian and medical personnel. Sierra Leone supports the Secretary-General's continued reporting on the status of the Protocols and on measures to strengthen international humanitarian law, including dissemination and national implementation. The changing character of armed conflict makes this work more urgent. Contemporary conflicts increasingly occur in densely populated areas, involve non-state armed groups, exploit new technologies, including cyber capabilities and autonomous weapon systems, and generate severe humanitarian consequences. In such circumstances, the fundamental principles of the Additional Protocols, distinction, proportionality, precaution, humane treatment, and protection of civilians and civilian objects are not outdated. They are indispensable. CERIN also underscores the importance of respecting and ensuring respect for international humanitarian law by all parties to armed conflict, irrespective of the legal characterization of the conflict. The protections of the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols must never be conditional on reciprocity or political convenience. Where violations occur, there must be accountability. Impunity undermines not only the victims but also the credibility of the international legal order. Chair, CERWIN welcomes the practice of the Sixth Committee in considering this agenda item biennially and in adopting resolutions by consensus. The consensus adoption of the resolution at the 79th session reflected the international community's shared commitment to strengthen international humanitarian law. We encourage Member States to maintain that spirit of cooperation at this session and to support a forward-looking resolution that promotes universalization, dissemination, national implementation, and cooperation with the ICRC and other humanitarian partners. For Sierra Leone, the protection of victims of armed conflict is inseparable from our broader commitment to peace, security, human rights and the rule of law. As a country that has emerged from conflict and invested in national healing and institution building, we know that respect for humanitarian law is a prerequisite for durable peace. We therefore reaffirm our full support for the Geneva Conventions and their additional protocols and our determination to continue promoting their implementation at the national level, regional and international levels. In conclusion, Chair, Sierra Leone calls on all Member States to ratify or accede to the additional protocols to which they are not yet party, strengthen domestic legislation, military training and accountability mechanisms, ensure unhindered humanitarian access and protection for medical and humanitarian personnel, support dissemination of international humanitarian law, particularly among youth, armed forces and civil society, and renew political commitment to the humane and lawful conduct of hostilities. Sierra Leone stands ready to work with all Member States, the ICRC and the United Nations to ensure that the promise of Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols becomes a lived reality for every victim of armed conflict. I thank you. 6th Committee · Chair [2:04:33]: I thank the distinguished representative of Sierra Leone for that statement, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Belarus. You have the floor, sir. Belarus [2:04:48]: Distinguished Chair, ladies and gentlemen, the Republic of Belarus fully supports the enduring value of the norms enshrined in the Geneva Conventions and additional protocols relating to armed conflicts. We agree with the need to enhance knowledge about international humanitarian law and that states ought to make every effort to implement their obligations under IHL. We have been consistent in our commitment to protecting victims of armed conflict and therefore have acceded to the three additional protocols to the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and has become a party to the Convention on the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and its two protocols, as well as the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child concerning the protection of children in armed conflict. Belarus. also take seriously the issue of implementing its obligations under IHL. We have a commission on the implementation of IHL under the government of Belarus. as well as national laws and regulations, including instructions that are regularly amended and updated in light of IHL provisions. Thanks in part to joint efforts with the ICRC, we are actively carrying out outreach activities on IHL. Belarus remains faithfully committed to maintaining the Sixth Committee of the UN as a central platform for issues relating to international humanitarian law, including the issue of implementation, application, and interpretation of these norms. We view as a serious threat the possible fragmentation of international laws and regulations in the area of IHL due to a lack of appropriate expert work, including that carried out in the Sixth Committee. We point out the need to mobilize expert efforts to examine new areas of application of IHL, including with regard to hostile activities in cyberspace and hostile activities involving ICTs. On the initiative of Belarus, these topics are being examined during the International Legal Forum of CIS States in Minsk. took place this past May, as well as our national commission on the violation of IHL, and during joint trainings carried out with the ICRC. We are prepared to continue this work in the Sixth Committee. The Republic of Belarus expresses its concern regarding the increasingly politicized nature of the activities of the International Criminal Court, which discredits the work of the entire international community to prevent impunity for those who have committed the most serious violations of IHL. In its practice, the ICC has repeatedly violated the provisions of its own statute as well as the universally recognized norms of international law, including regarding the immunity of officials of sovereign states, and has unjustifiably expanded its own jurisdiction to include states that are not parties to the Rome Statute. We have often seen as well arbitrary relaxing of criteria for classifying a given action as a crime, as well as the ignoring of basic criteria that characterize international crimes falling under the competence of the ICC. In this situation, we emphasize the growing need for a universal, depoliticized approach, as well as the unity of the entire international community in its efforts to combat the most serious crimes, including those involving violations of IHL. Thank you for your attention. 6th Committee · Chair [2:08:10]: I thank the distinguished representative of Belarus for that statement. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Bangladesh. You have the floor, sir. Bangladesh [2:08:22]: Mr. Madam Chair, Bangladesh aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the NAM. We thank the Secretary-General for his report of A/81/290. Next June, the Additional Protocols will be 50 years old. Bangladesh became a party to the Geneva Conventions in 1972, before it became a member of the UN, and to the Protocols I and II in 1980. The Protocols themselves were negotiated between 1974 and 1977 by a conference in which the newly independent states of Asia and Africa played a leading role. For 46 years, we have been bound by them, and we have never sought to step back. International humanitarian law is sometimes described as a creation of 19th century Europe, later extended to the rest of the world. Its first treaties, the Geneva Convention of 1864, St. Petersburg Declaration of 1868, the Hague Conventions of 1899 and 1907, were indeed negotiated largely among European powers. But the historical record does not support that wider claim. The principles of humanitarian law do not belong to any one civilization, they were reached independently by many. In his dissenting opinion in the nuclear weapons case, Judge Christopher Viramontes of Sri Lanka reminded the ICJ that the principles of humanitarian law were worked out in many civilizations, Chinese, Indian, Greek, Roman, Japanese, Islamic, modern European, among others. 14 centuries ago, Abu Bakr, the first caliph of Islam, sent his army to Syria with the following instructions, do not kill women or children, an aged or infirm person, Do not cut down fruit-bearing trees. Do not destroy inhabited places. What the Geneva Conventions and their protocols did was to write down for all nations a conscience that every nation already had. Thus, these rules are today part of customary international law, binding on every state, whether or not it has joined the protocols. Madam Chair, the law the protocols set out does not depend on ratification alone. Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions binds every party to every armed conflict. In the Nicaragua v. USA in 1986 case, the ICJ under the presidency of Judge Nagendra Singh held that these rules reflect what the court in 1949 called elementary considerations of humanity, a term used in the Corfu Channel case between UK and Albania in 1949. They bind states that have joined the protocols and states that have not, and they bind armed groups as much as the armies. For the Rohingya who shelter in Bangladesh, that is not a technical point. It means that the conduct that drove them from their homes were unlawful, whatever treaties their persecutors had signed or did not sign. Universality still matters, however. Some 174 states are party to the Protocol I, and 169 to Protocol II. Bangladesh encourages every state that has not yet done so in every region, including our own, to join them. Rules that bind everyone are harder for everyone to ignore. Madam Chair, our commitment is also practical. Bangladesh is today one of the largest contributors of uniformed personnel to the United Nations peacekeeping. Nearly 190,000 Bangladeshi women and men have served in 54 missions since 1988, and more than 160 have given their lives. Every one of them is trained in the rules the protocols contain. And since 1999, the Secretary General's bulletin on the observance of international humanitarian law by United Nations forces has made those rules binding on them in the field. Our Peace Support Training Institute now trains peacekeepers from other countries as well as our own. Dissemination for us is not a pamphlet. It is a soldier who knows where the line is and holds it. The real challenge today is not ratification, but respect. Hospitals, schools, water systems, and humanitarian workers are being struck in conflicts across the world, in Gaza, in Sudan, in Myanmar. More than 350 humanitarian workers were killed last year alone, more than half of them in Gaza. A rule that is broken without consequences will soon not be a rule at all. Then there is the future. New weapons, autonomous systems, and cyber operations are changing how wars are fought. The law is ready for them somewhat. Protocol I itself requires every state to review whether a new weapon would be lawful, and it carries forward the Martens Clause, which states that when no treaty applies, civilians and combatants remain under the protection of the principles of humanity and the dictates of public conscience. In the nuclear weapons case, the court presided over by Judge Mohammed Bedjaoui said of that clause that, "It has proven to be an effective means "of addressing the rapid evolution of military technology." Bangladesh is also considering the declaration under Article 90 of the Protocol I, recognizing the competence of the International Humanitarian Fact-Finding Commission, and accession to Protocol III, Madam Chair, In 1952, Sir Hersch Lauterpacht, later judge of the ICJ, wrote in the problem of revision of law of war that if international law is in some ways at the vanishing point of law, the law of war is perhaps even more conspicuously at the vanishing point of international law. The additional protocols were the answer of states to that warning. They turned custom and conscience into precise and binding obligations and gave the law of armed conflict a former place within international law. 50 years on, our task is not to write new rules, but to apply the ones we have to every party and in every conflict. As Secretary General Antonio Guterres told the Security Council in October 2023, even war has rules and no party to an armed conflict is above international humanitarian law. Bangladesh will continue to honor those rules. I thank you, Madam Chair. 6th Committee · Chair [2:15:03]: I thank the distinguished representative of Bangladesh for his statement, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Luxembourg. Sir, you have the floor. Luxembourg [2:15:14]: Madam Chair, Luxembourg fully aligns itself with the statement made by the European Union. and we wish to make the following comments in our national capacity. We thank the Secretary General for his report, as well as the different states and the International Committee of the Red Cross for all of their contributions. Faced with the multiplication of armed conflicts and their consequences on victims, Luxembourg wishes to reaffirm the importance of the respect and the full implementation of international humanitarian law. While armed conflicts continue to bring about grave humanitarian consequences, it remains essential to strengthen our collective efforts in order to ensure the protection of all people who are not party to the hostilities. Respect for the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution when conducting hostilities remains, in this regard, essential. Luxembourg recalls the fundamental importance of the Geneva Conventions of 1945, universally ratified, as well as the additional protocols of 1977. and there are many provisions therein that today reflect customary international law. All parties to armed conflicts must respect the fundamental guarantees of protection enshrined by international humanitarian law. Luxembourg calls upon states who have not yet done so to accede to the additional protocols in order to strengthen the protection of the victims of armed conflicts. Madam Chair, in a context marked by a rapid evolution of the means and methods of war, in particular with the development of new technology and growing use of cyber operations, it's essential to reaffirm the importance of the Geneva Conventions and of their additional protocols. These changes bring about new challenges for the protections of the victims of armed conflicts. Without questioning the applicability of international law. Luxembourg recalls in this regard that the use of new technologies in the conduct of hostilities must remain fully in line with the rules and principles of international humanitarian law. In this regard, Luxembourg is proud to host, since November 2022, a delegation of the ICRC dedicated to cyberspace. This presence enables the capacities and expertise of Luxembourg to be harnessed to contribute to respond to the growing humanitarian needs in the digital space. Madam Chair, at a time in which armed conflicts continue to cause immense suffering, it's essential to reaffirm our collective commitment to the rules designed to protect the victims of armed conflicts. It's in this context that we underscore the importance of the global initiative to galvanize political commitment to international humanitarian law. Luxembourg co-chairs working group 6 of this initiative on the use of digital technologies and on conflicts alongside Ghana, Mexico, Switzerland and the ICRC. The importance that Luxembourg attaches to this initiative is also reflected in the participation of our Prime Minister in the high-level conference to spare humanity from the scourge of war that will take place in Jordan on 7 December. Our commitments were also brought about by constant support to the actors that work to promote the respect for international humanitarian law. In this regard, Luxembourg will continue its support to the ICRC, one of our main humanitarian partners. through our annual contribution of 16.6 million euros for the 2026 to 2029 period. Luxembourg also supports concrete initiatives seeking to strengthen respect for and monitoring of IHL. We are a partner of the International Humanitarian Law Compliance Monitoring Database, which is an initiative of the Raoul Wallenberg Institute, which seeks to centralise information collected by a vast network of partners on the ground in order to facilitate access to it and analysis and to better assess respect for IHL in armed conflicts across the world. To conclude, Luxembourg remains profoundly committed to IHL as well as to the implementation of the Geneva Conventions and their additional protocols. We are determined to continue our cooperation with our partners to promote respect for international humanitarian law and to strengthen the protection of the persons affected by armed conflicts. The Additional Protocols remain more relevant than ever. faced with an evolution of armed conflicts, our collective responsibility is not only to preserve the integrity of them, but in particular to ensure that they are effectively implemented in order to guarantee better protection for the victims of armed conflicts. Luxembourg applauds the jurisprudence of international jurisdictions in international humanitarian law, including the advisory opinions given on the 19th of July and 22nd of October 19th of July 2024 and 22nd of October 2025 by the ICJ. In this regard, Luxembourg reaffirms its unwavering support to the essential role played by the International Criminal Court in the fight against impunity for the gravest international crimes, including war crimes. Thank you. 6th Committee · Chair [2:21:10]: I thank the distinguished representative of Luxembourg for his statement and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Lebanon. Sir, you have the floor. Lebanon [2:21:20]: Thank you very much, Madam Chair. A very good morning, dear colleagues, dear Chair, dear Elisa. It's a real pleasure to see you heading up our work this morning. Madam Chair, the International Court of Justice has held that the fundamental rules of humanitarian law bind every state, whether or not it has ratified the conventions that contain them. These rules constitute, quote unquote, "intransgressible principles of international customary law." Intransgressible, not optional, not conditional, not subject to convenience. The additional protocols to the Geneva Conventions gave these principles concrete expression, thereby closing the gap that left civilians exposed to the conduct of hostilities. They exist. to protect in times of war and create the necessary conditions for a durable and just peace. To abandon them is to put both purposes at risk. To uphold them is imperative. It is in this spirit that Lebanon, party to the two 1977 Additional Protocols, has strengthened its engagement for the protection of civilians in armed conflict. On May 1st of this year, amid ongoing strikes across our territory, Lebanon acceded to the Anti-Personal Mine Ban Convention. This accession formalizes a commitment that long preceded it. Indeed, Lebanon had already sought to give practical effect to the spirit of the Convention. For decades, through the work of the Lebanese Mine Action Center and also UNIFIL peacekeepers, the miners have given fields back to farmers and roads back to children. This accession complements Lebanon's adherence to the Convention on Cluster Munitions, the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons, including its Third Protocol on prohibitions or restrictions on the use of incendiary weapons. Alongside these obligations, Lebanon has supported efforts to bolster the implementation of IHL obligations by joining the Global Initiative and supporting the Declaration on the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel. These efforts are particularly meaningful to us in Lebanon, and we are grateful to the countries that have initiated the joint statement on the protection of aid workers in Lebanon. Ensuring their protection is vital, as illustrated by the mission of the Lebanese Red Cross, whose volunteers carry its emblem into the areas most affected by hostilities, often at great risk to their own lives. And here I want to pay tribute as well to national societies of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, and also to the ICRC for their work. Madam Chair, to speak of the human consequences of serious violations of international humanitarian law, is to keep the law anchored to the lives it is intended to protect. At stake are three fundamental principles: distinction, precaution, and proportionality. In Lebanon, all three are being breached, methodically, systematically. The consequences take many forms. First, the willful killing of civilians. On April 8 alone, Beirut was subjected to 100 strikes in just 10 minutes, killing hundreds of civilians, including children. A village is recast as military infrastructure, a family as human shield. Such false labeling cannot and does not displace the protection that the protocols, that the conventions provide. Second, terror. Fighter jets deliberately break the sound barrier at low altitude over Lebanon as a means of intimidation. The resulting sonic booms are intended to be mistaken for strikes, wrench children from sleep, and remind an entire population that it is never beyond reach. Third, forced displacement. 48 villages and towns in the south have been wiped out. Parts of our territory are occupied. Evacuation orders do not lend legality to either. As UN experts have warned, evacuation is intended to protect civilians and, I quote, "not to depopulate and occupy areas." Calling an area a so-called buffer zone, which is not a legal category, does not set aside the protections of international humanitarian law. Invoking so-called security measures does not justify demolitions. An evacuation order is not protection, especially if the homes people leave behind are destroyed and their return is prevented. Fourth, the destruction of cultural heritage. From Baalbek to Bait el-Din Palace and Shammar Castle, monuments central to Lebanon's history and identity have come under threat. These threats engage the protection that IHL affords to cultural property. A state party to the 1999 Second Protocol to the Hague Convention, Lebanon was granted enhanced protection by UNESCO for 73rd sites, the highest level of protection available under that instrument. Finally, the devastation of the environment. Forests have burned. Olive trees have been uprooted. Agricultural land on which thousands of families depend has been destroyed. The use of glyphosate and white phosphorus over inhabited area areas and farmland has been well documented. Taken together, this pattern of destruction clearly indicates that affected areas are being deliberately rendered uninhabitable. Madam Chair, the authority of the core principles of IHL must be affirmed in this room and upheld before the courts. But above all, their effect must be made tangible on the ground. in every precaution taken, every civilian protected, and every return made possible. Integral to this protection is accountability for war crimes and other atrocity crimes. Seeking it is an inalienable right of every victim under customary international law, ensuring it a duty incumbent upon every state. Madam Chair, and I will conclude. Our commitment rests on the conviction with which we began. These principles are not optional, not conditional, not subject to convenience. They are intransgressible. 6th Committee · Chair [2:28:11]: Thank you for your attention. I thank the distinguished representative of Lebanon for his statements. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Timor-Leste. Sir, you have the floor. Timor-Leste [2:28:23]: Thank you for giving me the floor, Madam Chair. Timor-Leste reaffirms its firm commitment to international humanitarian law, including universal adherence to, effective implementation of, and respect for the three additional protocols to the Geneva Convention of 1949, to which my country is a state party. Our commitment is deeply rooted in our history. Timor-Leste understands that protecting human dignity must remain at the center of international humanitarian law. Our experience has also taught us an important lesson. Legal commitments matter only when they are respected and put into practice. We therefore welcome the Secretary General's report and share its emphasis on strengthening national implementation, promoting wider adherence and ensuring that humanitarian obligations are respected in all circumstances. Madam Chair, Timor-Leste wishes to highlight three priorities. First, we must move from formal adherence to effective national implementation. The Geneva Convention and their additional protocols provide an indispensable legal framework for protecting victims of armed conflict. However, their effectiveness depends on states political commitment, institutional capacity and preparedness to implement them. We therefore encourage all states to strengthen the incorporation of international humanitarian law into domestic legislation, military doctrine, operational procedures and training programs. This should include clear responsibilities for commanders, effective oversight mechanism and appropriate national measures to investigate alleged serious violation and ensure accountability in accordance with international law. We also encourage states to establish or strengthen national committees on international humanitarian law where appropriate with adequate institutional support and resources. Such mechanism can help coordinate implementation, improve national preparedness and ensure that humanitarian obligations are understood not only by armed forces but also by civilian authorities and relevant institutions. Second, we must translate the protection of civilians into concrete operational responsibilities. The principle of distinction proportionality and precautions in attack must guide the conduct of hostilities. These are binding legal requirements, not matters of political discretion. Behind every damaged hospital, destroyed school or disrupted water supply are families whose lives may be permanently affected. Women, children, older persons and persons with disabilities. often face particular risk, especially when humanitarian assistance and essential services are interrupted. Timor-Leste therefore calls upon all parties to armed conflict to take all feasible precautions to minimise civilian harm, respect the protection afforded to medical personnel and facilities, and safeguard objects indispensable to civilian survivor. We further recommend strengthening practical measures to assess and mitigate for civilian harm, facilitate rapid humanitarian assistance and restore essential services. Where serious violations are alleged, credible and impartial investigations together with appropriate accountability measures are essential to preventing recurrence and restoring confidence in the law. Third, humanitarian obligation must never become conditional upon political negotiation. Ceasefires, dialogue, and political settlements are indispensable to ending armed conflict. However, respect for international humanitarian law cannot be postponed until peace agreements are reached. The human treatment of detainees, protection of persons deprived of liberty, clarification of the fate and whereabouts of missing persons, and facilitation of impartial humanitarian relief must remain priorities throughout armed conflict in accordance with applicable international law. We therefore encourage parties to conflicts to establish practical humanitarian arrangements, including appropriate channels for humanitarian access, family contact, information concerning missing persons, and cooperation with impartial humanitarian organizations. Such measures do not substitute for political negotiation. Rather, they can alleviate suffering, preserve human dignity, and help rebuild the minimum level of trust necessary for reconciliation and lasting peace. Madam Chair, Timor-Leste welcomes the global initiatives to galvanize political commitment to international humanitarian law which provides an important opportunity to translate our shared commitments into practical and measurable action. As a participant state, Timor-Leste looks forward to contributing constructively to its works team and to the high level conference on humanity in war scheduled to take place in Jordan on 7 December 2025. We hope this process will produce actionable recommendation that states can implement according to their national circumstances, particularly to stronger legal frameworks and provides institutional capacity, effective protection of civilians, and enhanced cooperation with humanitarian organizations. Madam Chair, the Geneva Convention and their additional protocols remain among the most important achievements of international cooperation. Their principles have endured, but their credibility ultimately depends on our collective willingness to apply them consistently, impartially, and without double standards. We remain committed to working with member states, the ICRC, and other relevant partners to strengthen respect for international humanitarian law and protect those most vulnerable to the consequences of armed conflict. Allow me to conclude with a simple reflection drawn from our national experience. Even in times of war, humanity must never be abandoned. Protecting human life and dignity is not only a legal obligation, it is a shared responsibility that defines our common humanity. I thank you, Madam Chair. 6th Committee · Chair [2:36:42]: I thank the distinguished representative of Timor-Leste for his statement, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Yemen. Madam, you have the floor. Yemen [2:36:57]: Thank you, Madam Chair. We underscore the importance of the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and the First and Second Additional Protocols of 1977 as the fundamental pillars of international humanitarian law and an essential legal framework for addressing humanitarian situations and protecting human dignity. In light of the accelerating developments in armed conflicts, we reaffirm that respect for international humanitarian law is essential for alleviating humanitarian suffering and ensuring the protection of civilians away from selectivity and double standards. Madam Chair, we attach particular importance to adopting the necessary legislative and regulatory measures to strengthen the implementation of international humanitarian law at the national level. This includes aligning national legislation with relevant international obligations, raising awareness of its principles, and intensifying training and capacity-building programs for personnel in military, security, judicial, and humanitarian institutions. We also emphasize the importance of continuing to strengthen cooperation with the ICRC and other relevant international organizations, leveraging their technical and legal expertise and exchanging best practices to ensure compliance with international humanitarian law. Madam Chair, we condemn in the strongest terms the military escalation and ongoing violations committed by the terrorist Houthi militias since September 3rd across several Yemeni governorates, including Taiz, Al-Hudaydah, Lahij, Ma'rib, and Western Coast. These violations have included the shelling of residential areas and IDP camps, the targeting of civilian convoys fleeing conflict zones, and attacks on civilian infrastructure, vital facilities and medical centers, including Aden International Airport and humanitarian projects funded by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center in Al-Hudaydah, in Al-Houkhah, and Western Coast. There have also been acts of looting and assault against medical facilities, warehouses containing essential supplies, and water and shelter projects. Most recently, there was a blatant attack on the presidential palace in the interim capital, Aden, involving missiles and drones, which resulted in the death and injury of several security personnel and staff. We express deep concern regarding the continued suffocating siege imposed on the city of Taiz and its surrounding villages by Houthis. A situation affecting more than 4 million people, including those trapped within the city and those displaced from affected governorates. This siege is accompanied by the targeting of supply routes and the obstruction of the delivery of food, medicine, fuel, and other basic necessities, in addition to the severe difficulties patients are facing in accessing medical facilities. We underscore that the protection of civilians requires ensuring the safe and sustainable delivery of essential supplies and humanitarian assistance, and avoiding the exposure of the population, particularly the sick, the wounded, women, children, and the elderly, to additional preventable risks. We call upon the international community to take a clear and firm stance against any practices that seek to deprive the civilian population of the basic requirements for life, or that use their humanitarian needs as a means of exerting pressure or imposing a fait accompli. We call for the immediate lifting of the siege on Taizz, the opening of all access points and roads for civilians, and the movement of supplies, and ensuring safe, sustainable, and unhindered access to food, fuel, and drinking water. We also call for strengthening mechanisms for monitoring, documenting, and ensuring accountability for the perpetrators of these crimes, thereby preserving evidence of violations, holding those responsible accountable, and preventing impunity. The terrorist Houthi militias have not spared children from their grave violations. Rather, they have continued to recruit and use them in hostilities, depriving them of their childhood and the right to education and a safe life. Field data regarding the escalation by the terrorist Houthi militias indicate the presence of child recruits among their ranks, both among those killed and those captured, serving as a painful testament to the continued exploitation of children and the endangerment their lives. The government of Yemen asserts that these practices are a grave violation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Optional Protocol on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict, and relevant norms of international law and international humanitarian law. We, therefore, call upon the United Nations, especially the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary General on Children and Armed Conflict, to promote their efforts to monitor, document, and verify these violations, to promote initiatives for the release and demobilization of child recruits, and ensure their rehabilitation and sustainable reintegration into their families and communities, and to hold those responsible for these violations accountable. Madam Chair, we strongly condemn the continuing Israeli violations against the Palestinian Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Al-Quds Al-Sharif. We categorically reject any attempt for forced displacement or for changing the demographic status of Palestinian land. We also condemn the expansion of settlements and the attacks by settlers, as well as their attempts for annexation. We also condemn the blatant Israeli escalation on Lebanon and Syria, including the occupied Syrian Arab Golan. This is a violation of international law and resolutions of international legitimacy. Madam Chair, in conclusion, we stress Respect for international humanitarian law is neither a political choice nor a selective obligation. It is rather a legal duty that must be upheld under all circumstances. Thank you, Madam Chair. 6th Committee · Chair [2:43:51]: I thank the distinguished representative of Yemen for his statements. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Italy. Sir, you have the floor. Italy [2:44:06]: Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, Italy aligns itself with the statement delivered by the representative of the European Union and would like to add some remarks in a national capacity. Italy remains firmly committed to achieve the humanitarian purposes of the protocols additional to the Geneva Conventions of 1949. We reaffirm the importance of the strict observance of the obligations contained therein when applicable, and of promoting compliance both at the national and international levels. The activities undertaken by our country during the 2024-2026 period, as reflected in the report submitted pursuant to resolution 79/123, show Italy's continued efforts in this respect. Turning to the promotion dissemination of international humanitarian law, let me start by recalling that Italy established a specialized working group to prepare a new manual on international law applicable to military operations, covering IHL and other aspects of public international law relevant to military operations abroad. The drafting process was completed in 2026, and the manual is currently being considered for approval by the competent authorities. In 2025, the Italian Defense General Staff adopted a directive on the protection of cultural property in case of armed conflicts, setting out applicable legal framework and practical implementation measures. including the role of the specialized task force called Blue Shield for Culture. In the same year, Italy adopted its fifth national action plan on women, peace, and security for 2025-2029. Its objectives include increasing women's participation in decision making and peace operations, strengthening their presence in armed forces and police, protecting women and children in conflict settings, and enhancing cooperation with civil society and academia. The implementation of the plan is assured also through WPS-focused projects by international and civil society organizations, mainly in post-conflict areas, which Italy finances on the basis of a dedicated yearly public call. Furthermore, in September 2025, Italy endorsed a declaration for the protection of humanitarian personnel launched by Australia. The initiative reflects Italy's strong commitment to upholding international humanitarian law and to strengthening the protection of humanitarian personnel in situations of armed conflicts. On the occasion of the 34th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Italy and the Italian Red Cross jointly submitted an open pledge aimed at strengthening the protection and inclusion of persons with disabilities in armed conflicts, disasters and other emergency situations. As part of this commitment, draft technical guidelines on international law and the protection of persons with disabilities in armed conflicts were developed in 2026, alongside a broader multi-stakeholder dialogue involving the relevant ministries, civil protection authorities, defense representatives, in cooperation with the Italian Red Cross. In 2026, the Italian Defense General Staff approved renewed national directives on rules of engagement, further integrating the principles of distinction, proportionality, necessity, and precaution into military planning and operational decision making. Italy continues to prioritize IHL training for armed forces, including officers, non-commissioned officers, other military personnel, and legal advisors. Training has been delivered through military academies and commands, specialized defense institutions, again, in cooperation with the Italian Red Cross. Last but not least, Italy supports international children and our conflicts agenda, including through financial assistance, diplomatic engagement, especially as coordinator, together with Belgium, of the CAC Group of Friends at the European Union, and support for the University Network for Children in Armed Conflict. It is worth recalling that Italy was among the first countries to endorse the Safe Schools Declaration, launched in Oslo in May 2015, which aims to strengthen the protection of education and ensure its continuity during armed conflicts. In conclusion, Madam Chair, also in line with the recent global initiative to galvanize political commitment to international humanitarian law, Italy stands ready to work cooperatively with all delegations so as to support the promotion and implementation of international humanitarian law as reflected in the additional protocols. I thank you. 6th Committee · Chair [2:49:53]: Thank the distinguished delegate of Italy for that statement, and now give the floor to the distinguished Permanent Representative of Fiji. Ambassador, you have the floor. Fiji · Permanent Representative [2:50:08]: Madam Chair, Fiji thanks the Secretary-General for his report under this item, and the International Committee of the Red Cross for its continued stewardship of international humanitarian law. Fiji associates itself with the priorities set out by delegations on the protection of civilians, medical facilities, humanitarian personnel and journalists, and on unimpeded humanitarian access. Those obligations are not aspirations. They are binding, and they bind all parties to the conflict equally. Fiji wishes to draw the Committee's attention to four matters of particular concern to the Pacific. First, the protection of persons in disasters. Fiji welcomes the preparatory work announced by the President of the General Assembly towards a treaty on this subject. For island states, disaster is not an exception to ordinary life, but a recurring feature of it. Clear rules on humanitarian assistance, the role of affected state, and the duties of those who assist will matter to our populations as directly as any instrument this Committee has produced. Fiji and Pacific partners intend to engage fully in that process. Second, the environment in armed conflict. The Pacific carries the physical legacy of past wars in unexploded ordnance that still kills and still constrains the use of land and sea. Fiji supports continued attention to the protection of natural environment under international humanitarian law and encourages states to give effect to the International Law Commission's principles on this subject in their national practice. Third, the protection of humanitarian and peacekeeping personnel. Fiji endorses the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel and calls on all states that have not done so to join it. Attacks on those who deliver assistance or keep the peace are attacks on the system that this Committee exists to uphold, and they must be investigated and prosecuted whenever they occur. Fourth, universality of the Additional Protocols. Fiji is a party to Protocols I and II and welcomes a proposal to use the 50th anniversary in 2027 to examine the remaining barriers to accession, and to the recognition of the International Humanitarian Fact-Finding Commission. For small administrations, those barriers are usually practical rather than political: drafting capacity, implementing legislation, and training. Fiji encourages the ICRC and interested States to direct their assistance to those needs, and will work with its Pacific partners to that end. Madam Chair, compliance with international humanitarian law depends on national implementation, legislation, military doctrine, training, an independent legal review, and new means and methods of warfare, including autonomous and cyber capabilities. Fiji will continue to strengthen its own framework and to support that work in the region. I thank you. 6th Committee · Chair [2:53:42]: Thank the permanent representative of Fiji for that statement. And now give the floor to the permanent representative, rather, the distinguished representative of Bahrain on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Not yet the PR. Bahrain · GCC [2:54:03]: Thank you, Madam Chair. It is my honor to deliver the statement on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council, namely the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Sultanate of Oman, the State of Qatar, the State of Kuwait, and my country, the Kingdom of Bahrain. We thank the Secretary General for his report under this agenda item, A/81/290. Madam Chair. GCC countries renew their commitment to IHL, mainly the four Geneva Conventions of 1949 and the first two Additional Protocols of 1977. All parties to armed conflicts must uphold IHL rules. including the principles of distinction, precaution, and proportionality, and must refrain from attacking civilians and civilian infrastructure. These rules must be implemented and upheld in a consistent manner without selectivity and double standards. In this context, The GCC countries welcome the establishment of the Permanent Arab Committee on IHL of the League of Arab States in 2025. The committee was established on Qatar's initiative, and Qatar is currently its first chair. This committee supports coordination among relevant Arab national committees, promotes exchange of expertise and capacity building, and helps disseminate the culture of law. Madam Chair, the GCC countries strongly condemn the wanton and repeated Iranian attacks against our countries. These attacks targeted the Jordanian -- Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Sultanate of Oman, the State of Qatar, and the State of Qatar, and my country, the Kingdom of Bahrain. And these attacks targeted civilians and civilian infrastructure, as well as the civilian objects, infrastructure, and critical infrastructure, including energy and water facilities and commercial vessels. These attacks are express violations of IHL, namely the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution. and the prohibition of attacks on objects vital for the survival of civilians in accordance with the Geneva Conventions, the Additional Protocol, and customary international humanitarian law. We call for the immediate cessation. Security Council Resolution 2817 of 2026 must be enforced in its entirety. The perpetrators of these attacks must be held responsible and accountable. Dialogue grounded in good neighborliness is key to achieving regional security and stability. Affected Arab states have the right to take all legal and diplomatic measures to and to recourse to international and regional organizations to hold Iran accountable for these violations and to seek redress and compensation for damage caused. Accountability and primacy of international law are key pillars to maintain international peace and security. We strongly condemn the terrorist attacks by the Houthi militias against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, most recently the attack on King Khalid and Abha International Airports, leaving civilians killed and injured. We condemn attacks on Mecca and the power plant supplying the Prophet's Mosque in Medina. We also condemn ballistic missile and drone attacks against several Saudi cities. These attacks are a flagrant violation of the kingdom's sovereignty. They are an unacceptable disregard of civilian lives. They are a direct threat to the safety of civilians, civilian objects, and air navigation. They are a clear violation of the Geneva Conventions and their additional protocols. They must cease immediately. The GCC countries stand united with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and support its lawful measures to preserve its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity. The security of all GCC countries is integrated and indivisible. Along the same lines, Israel must be compelled to uphold international humanitarian law in the occupied Palestinian territories. Unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza must be ensured. Colonial expansion must come to an end, and annexation plots must stop. In conclusion, Madam Chair, we underscore the importance of respecting international humanitarian law under all circumstances. We call for stronger international cooperation to implement international law. This will ensure protection for civilians and uphold human dignity. Thank you. 6th Committee · Chair [2:59:53]: I thank the distinguished representative of Bahrain on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council for that statement. And I now give the floor to the representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross. You have the floor, sir. ICRC [3:00:11]: Thank you. Madam Chair, the debate today on the status of the Additional Protocols to the Geneva Conventions relating to the protection of victims in armed conflict is particularly timely, as we are at just one year from the 50th anniversary of the adoption of these important instruments. As we approach this milestone, the ICRC calls on States to reaffirm their shared commitment by ensuring effective implementation and faithful application of the Additional Protocols in current armed conflicts, as well as for their universal acceptance. Madam Chair, together with the 1949 Geneva Conventions, the 1977 Additional Protocols form the cornerstone of modern IHL and serve as an essential safeguard for preserving life, dignity, and humanity during armed conflict. Their universal ratification is essential to ensuring that there is equal protection for all victims of armed conflict. The 1949 Geneva Conventions have already achieved universal ratification. And even if the 1977 Additional Protocols are among the most broadly ratified treaties, With 175 and 170 States having ratified Additional Protocols I and II respectively, further efforts are needed to close the remaining gap. Since the last time this Committee debated this agenda item, one State, Andorra, acceded to all three Additional Protocols. This marks an important step forward, and we commend Andorra for its commitment to IHL. However, if we exclude the accession of Andorra, it has been more than seven years since another State has joined the Second Additional Protocol, and it has been more than a decade since any other State has acceded to the First Additional Protocol. Today, too many States have yet to accept the Additional Protocols, and among them are several states that are currently involved in armed conflicts. As we approach the 50th anniversary of these instruments, the ICRC remains hopeful that this milestone will inspire greater momentum and that the Additional Protocols will achieve the same universal ratification as the Geneva Conventions themselves. These rules are a shared inheritance and a lasting legacy for future generations. The ICRC also encourages States that have not yet done so to ratify or accede to other IHL treaties to which they are not yet party. And we remind States of the possibility of recognizing the competence of the International Humanitarian Fact-Finding Commission, as established under Article 90 of Additional Protocol I. We are pleased that two additional States recognize the competence of the Fact-Finding Commission since the General Assembly last discussed this agenda item. And we note that States that have requested the support of the Fact-Finding Commission have underscored the value of independent investigation for the peaceful settlement of disputes. To assist all of these efforts, the ICRC, through its Advisory Service on IHL, has continued to provide national authorities with assistance in adopting the legislative, regulatory, and practical measures necessary to ensure full implementation of IHL. We continue to develop and update specialized tools related to the implementation of IHL, such as legislative checklists, model laws, and ratification kits. After completing its work on updating the commentaries to the Geneva Conventions of 1949, the ICRC has now begun to update the commentary to the First Additional Protocol. The results will help us understand how the law can effectively protect civilians in contemporary armed conflicts. Madam Chair, while emphasizing the importance of continued efforts to uphold IHL and to achieve its universal acceptance, the ICRC has also observed with concern the withdrawal by some States from hard-won international agreements designed to protect humanity in armed conflicts. In this context, the ICRC reminds States that withdrawing from any humanitarian treaty weakens the legal protections for victims of war. It is especially in times of armed conflict that we must collectively reinforce the humanitarian frameworks that safeguard vulnerable populations. Madam Chair, when IHL is respected, lives are saved, suffering is reduced, and dignity is preserved. By protecting people and upholding basic human values, IHL has proven to be essential in mitigating the worst consequences of war. The Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols have provided a resilient framework for safeguarding humanity while also adapting to new means and methods of warfare to remain relevant in modern conflict. In today's polarized world, where dehumanizing narratives are on the rise, Reaffirming this commitment and prioritizing compliance with IHL is more critical than ever. Failure to do so in the face of the devastating toll of war would be a profound moral failing. And yet, despite this urgent need, we often see parties to conflict turning away from their legal obligations. Violations of IHL are met with silence or insufficient action. allowing such transgressions to persist and to erode the very principles we have collectively pledged to uphold. By ratifying the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, States Parties have committed not only to respecting the law during armed conflict, but also to ensuring that its protections reach those who need them most. These rules are not abstract ideals. They are practical safeguards designed to preserve humanity in its darkest moments. As noted by many delegations, in 2024, six States, together with the ICRC, launched a global initiative to galvanize political commitment to IHL in 2024. I'd like to repeat here that the goal of this initiative is not to develop international humanitarian law, but to make it a political priority, to mobilize leaders to incorporate this law in discussions on armed conflict and security, and to develop practical and concrete solutions to address humanitarian challenges in modern warfare. The participation of more than 160 states in five rounds of consultation, 15 regional conferences, and more than 20 supporting events around the world as well as the formal endorsement by 122 States, demonstrates a shared commitment to upholding IHL and its vital protections. Madam Chair, the ICRC remains fully committed to working with States and to supporting them in their efforts to universalize and implement IHL through all of our working modalities: through the Global Initiative, through multilateral fora, supporting national implementation, and in confidential and bilateral dialogue. Thank you, Chair. 6th Committee · Chair [3:08:20]: I thank the representative of the ICRC for that statement and now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Sovereign Order of Malta. You have the floor, Madam. SMOM [3:08:34]: Excellencies, distinguished delegates, The Sovereign Order of Malta thanks the Secretary-General for his report on the status of the Additional Protocols, and the International Committee of the Red Cross for its work in upholding international humanitarian law. The Geneva Conventions of 1949, crafted in the aftermath of unimaginable suffering, and their Additional Protocols, remain as vital today as ever. Yet, in a world where conflicts grow ever more destructive, we must recognize the urgency of a global turning point, one that prioritizes the protection of civilians and enforces accountability for those who defy these principles. The Sovereign Order of Malta is gravely concerned by the persistence of grave violations in modern conflicts. We are witnessing the widespread use of torture. Sexual torture is used as a source of intimidation, designed not only to inflict pain, but also to dehumanize, terrorize and destroy communities. We must condemn the use of sexual violence, sexual slavery, forced pregnancy, and starvation, all of which are prohibited methods of warfare. The Order has forcefully condemned this violence, particularly when directed at the most vulnerable members of society, children and women. Madam Chair, If we are to uphold the principles enshrined in international humanitarian law and preserve human dignity in the face of conflict, we must confront not only the physical, but also the enduring human cost of war. Trauma as a consequence of armed conflict does not merely haunt the individual. It has an effect on families and communities, hindering reconciliation and development for generations. A society where the psychological wounds of war remain untreated cannot fully heal, nor can it prosper. As an organization dedicated to serving the sick and the poor for more than nine centuries, the Order witnesses the human cost of conflict every day. Guided by its principles of neutrality and impartiality, the Order provides vital humanitarian assistance to civilians affected by war. Through its local branches, volunteers and professional staff, the Order continues to operate on the front lines, including in Ukraine and Lebanon, where its activities are carried out in highly challenging and often dangerous conditions. Through this work, the Order not only delivers essential aid, but also bears witness to the suffering of those caught in conflict. A stark example continues to be the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Children living in frontline areas have spent long periods sheltering in basements as air raid sirens wail above, robbed of sunlight, safety, and stability. For these children, the disruption of schooling, the loss of routine, and the constant fear of violence have sparked pervasive anxiety, dread, and isolation. Countless children have fled Ukraine and face further barriers, limited access to education, healthcare, and protection services. Together with our partners, the order provides a broad spectrum of psychosocial services, including digital and face-to-face mental health support for survivors of violence. Our professionals have worked with many Ukrainian children in diverse social and therapeutic settings. Their reports are sobering. Beneath the surface lies a persistent tapestry of trauma and anxiety that shapes the worldview of these young minds. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, conflict also leaves wounds that are less visible. From Syria to Sri Lanka, where years of conflict have left countless families without answers, the pattern is tragically familiar. fear, impunity, and silence. Families have the right to know the truth, to seek justice, and to rebuild their lives. Conflict also creates fertile ground for exploitation. Populations living in or fleeing from war zones are particularly susceptible to traffickers, as instability, displacement, and desperation leave them exposed. Our support centers offer survivors sanctuary, psychosocial support, and vocational training, helping them rebuilding their lives. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, these efforts though vital, represent only a fraction of the assistance required by civilians caught in the grip of conflict. The effectiveness of international humanitarian law hinges on the political will of member states. The Order therefore encourages all States to reaffirm their commitment to the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, to strengthen mechanisms for accountability, and to exert every possible effort and diplomatic means to protect civilians. Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, As Pope John Paul II reminded us, Respect for human dignity is the fundamental requirement of a just and peaceful society. Let this principle not be a mere aspiration, but the unwavering commitment that guides our every action. Only by putting an end to impunity for the indiscriminate destruction of civilian lives can we truly uphold human dignity. Let us not forget that those caught in the crossfire deserve the chance to live full, meaningful lives. By upholding the principles of international humanitarian law, we not only safeguard lives, but we also preserve hope, humanity, and the possibility of a future where dignity prevails over despair. I thank you. 6th Committee · Chair [3:16:14]: I thank the distinguished representative of the Sovereign Order of Malta for her statement. Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished delegate, the distinguished representative of the Sovereign Order of Malta was the last speaker on this item. However, I do understand that the delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran wishes to exercise their right of reply. Before I continue, I'd like to recall the committee that pursuant to paragraph 9 and 10 of Annex 5 of the Rules of Procedure of the General Assembly, the number of interventions under right of reply for any delegation during any meeting is limited to two per item. The first statement must be limited to 10 minutes and the second to 5 minutes. I invite the delegation exercising their right of reply to be as concise as possible and to kindly respect these time limits strictly. The distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran, you have the floor. Iran (Islamic Republic of) [3:17:12]: BAHRAANI: Bismillahirrahmanirrahim. Thank you, Madam Chair. For us, it's not a surprise that the United States claims adherence to international humanitarian law. but does exactly the opposite. And the US flagrant disregard for civilian lives and civilian infrastructure has been demonstrated in the course of the aggression against my country, both by words and in deeds. In words, the US openly threatened our bridges, power plants, among others. And I can quote from official statements of the United States, for example, quoting that Every bridge in Iran will be decimated by 12 o'clock tomorrow night. And this quotation belongs to April 2026. And the list is comprehensive. I can go on. But in practice, these statements were followed or preceded by destruction of our civilian infrastructure. And they have been well documented in reports that we have duly submitted before the UN Security Council, including document S/2026/739. Among the horrific atrocities was the attack against the Shajar al-Tayyib Elementary School in Minab, where 168 school children and teachers were killed. And as I mentioned in our statement, the remains of Maqan Nasiri were never found, given the devastating impacts of the US attack on this elementary school. We have so many cases, unfortunately, where civilian infrastructure and civilians have been killed in the course of the aggression. Another example is on the same day, 28 February, where aggressors killed children attending sport facilities in Lamerde, and they hit that facility with a missile capable of dispersing approximately 100,000, 180,000 high-velocity fragments. And the question is that which part of killing of children by the United States corresponds to the principles of distinction, precaution, proportionality? None of them. This is war crime. Or which part of targeting civilians, including children in Lohmer, by US missiles that kills and injures everyone with little fragments in 360 degree radius are consistent with IHL? Again, none. These are war crimes. And I believe everyone knows that our civilization was also threatened, but we know from our rich history that our civilization will not be threatened or obliterated by missiles or attacks as such. We have been in the region for thousands of years, and we will continue to be there. The fact remains that is that the United States does not believe in IHL, both in words and in deeds. In relation to another statement regarding my country, I have to mention that, well, we categorically reject the baseless statements leveled against my country. Our defensive responses were in full compliance with international law, including international humanitarian law. And political rhetoric could not change the place of victim and the culprit. As we have mentioned time and again, this aggression during which the aggressors wildly breached international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions, was enabled and facilitated by certain countries in the region that placed their territories, air, airspace, and facilities at the disposal of the aggressors. And as per relevant international law, this is not a mere aid and assistance to the aggressor. This is actually an act of aggression as defined in Resolution 3314 of General Assembly and entails international responsibility under international law. We have to reiterate that our defensive measures were never intended against the people of neighboring states or their sovereignty. Iran, like always, remains committed to good neighborliness. We have demonstrated that through our thousands of years of civilization and history But good neighborliness cannot be one-sided commitment. We expect all the states to transpose this principle as well as peremptory norm of prohibition of aggression into concrete conduct by refraining from any support to the aggressors against any aggression against Islamic Republic of Iran. And finally, Madam Chair, our position in relation to the UN Security Council. so-called resolution 2817 is clear and has been reflected in document contained in S/2026/202 and another document entitled S/2026/389. Thank you. 6th Committee · Chair [3:22:14]: I thank the distinguished representative of Iran for his statement. This brings us to the end of our debate on agenda item 81. status of the protocols additional to the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and relating to the protection of victims of armed conflicts. The draft resolution under this agenda item has traditionally been negotiated on the basis of proposals coordinated and submitted by the delegation of Sweden and its co-sponsors. This year, our colleague Ms. Christine Ellenson of Sweden will coordinate the preparation of the draft resolution on behalf of the sponsors of the draft resolution. As agreed at our first meeting, this year We will provide the coordinators assigned to each agenda item the opportunity to take the floor to give a brief indication of their plans and, if possible, to introduce the initial draft of their proposals for draft resolutions, where applicable. I ask Ms. Kristine Ahlson of Sweden to take the floor on this agenda item. Sweden · Coordinator [3:23:26]: Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, dear colleagues, I have followed with interest the debate and the statements delivered by delegations. As coordinator for the draft resolution on the status of the protocols additional to the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and relating to the protection of victims of armed conflicts, I will shortly circulate a zero draft resolution on this item. Over the past weeks, I have had bilateral exchanges with a number of delegations. The zero draft contains the necessary technical updates, as well as one limited update directly related to the subject matter of the resolution, a reference to the upcoming 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Additional Protocols I and II. Madam Chair, informal consultations on the zero draft will take place on Wednesday, 21st October, at 2:00 p.m. in this room. I also invite interested delegations to reach out to me with any questions or comments on the text. Allow me to thank delegations in advance for their constructive cooperation and support on this item with a view to adopting the resolution by consensus. I would also like to thank the Secretariat for its invaluable assistance. I thank you. 6th Committee · Chair [3:24:51]: I thank the coordinator for her briefing and I encourage you to use the e-sponsorship module in the e-delegate portal for the circulation of draft resolution as early as possible and to submit it for processing in good time. I also thank the interpreters who kindly agreed to ask to stay a little bit longer than planned. Thank you for your patience, says the chair kindly. The meeting is adjourned.