Consejo Económico y Social: 30ª sesión plenaria, Período de sesiones de 2026
Consejo Económico y Social
Date: 18 June 2026
Language: Floor (Original)
Transcript: https://transcripts.un.org/es/ecosoc/2026/30?lang=floor
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Presidente [0:02]:

Muy buenos días. Vamos a iniciar la sesión. Excelencias, distinguidas delegadas y delegados, declaro abierta la 30.ª sesión del Consejo Económico y Social en el marco de la serie de sesiones sobre asuntos humanitarios de su periodo de sesiones de 2026. Invito ahora al consejo a que prosiga el examen del tema nueve del programa, titulado Asistencia económica humanitaria y de socorro de casos en casos de desastre. Excelencias, colegas, pasamos a nuestro segundo panel de debate dedicado a la protección de los civiles y al derecho internacional humanitario. El informe del secretario general sobre la protección de los civiles presenta un panorama profundamente preocupante. Como escuchamos en las palabras de apertura de Tom Fletcher, los incumplimientos del derecho internacional internacional humanitario no son una cuestión abstracta. La erosión del respeto por el derecho internacional humanitario constituye hoy uno de los principales obstáculos para que las organizaciones humanitarias puedan prestar asistencia. En numerosos conflictos la población civil sigue enfrentándose a ataques indiscriminados, desplazamientos forzosos. Hambre y destrucción en infraestructuras civiles esenciales. Hospitales, escuelas, sistemas de abastecimiento de agua e infraestructuras energéticas continúan siendo dañadas o destruidos. El personal humanitario y sanitario sigue enfrentándose a niveles inaceptables de violencia. El informe también pone de relieve las crecientes consecuencias humanitarias derivadas del incumplimiento del derecho internacional humanitario. Los fallos en materia de protección contribuyen directamente a los desplazamientos forzosos, la inseguridad alimentaria, el colapso de servicios esenciales y el aumento del sufrimiento humano. El derecho internacional humanitario establece obligaciones claras. Los civiles deben ser protegidos. El acceso humanitario debe ser respetado. Y el personal sanitario y los trabajadores humanitarios deben ser protegidos. Al mismo tiempo, el informe nos recuerda que la protección de los civiles exige algo más que expresar preocupación. Requiere voluntad política, medidas concretas y un compromiso sostenido por parte de los Estados miembros y las partes en conflicto. Por ello, el debate de hoy se centrará en las consecuencias prácticas de los fallos de protección, las responsabilidades de los Estados miembros y de las partes en conflicto. Así como en la necesidad urgente de reforzar el respeto al derecho internacional humanitario. También escucharemos a organizaciones humanitarias, actores especializados en protección y comunidades afectadas sobre las realidades operativas a las que continúan enfrentándose. La erosión del respeto por el derecho internacional humanitario amenaza no solo la protección de los civiles, sino también la capacidad de las organizaciones humanitarias para prestar asistencia de forma segura y eficaz. Por ello, la protección de los civiles debe seguir ocupando un lugar central en la acción humanitaria. A continuación, escucharemos las exposiciones de nuestros distinguidas y distinguidos panelistas. Me dirijo ahora a la excelentísima señora Shamma Obaid ministra de Estado de Relaciones Exteriores de Bangladesh. a la que formulo la siguiente pregunta. De qué manera contribuye la erosión de la protección de los civiles a los desplazamientos. Doy la palabra y las gracias a la ministra de Estado de Relaciones Exteriores de Bangladesh.


Bangladesh · ministra de Estado de Relaciones Exteriores [3:53]:

Mr. Chair, fellow panelists, excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. Good morning. And I'm pleased to join this important discussion today. We are meeting at a time when the nature of armed conflict is becoming increasingly complex. Protracted crises have become the norm rather than the exception. Civilians are bearing the brunt of conflicts that are often prolonged, fragmented, and shaped by a multiplicity of state and non state actors. The lines between combatants and civilians are increasingly blurred, and humanitarian access is often obstructed or politicized. These realities demand not only renewed commitment, but also a fundamental recalibration of how the international community acts. Let me begin with the key lesson commitment without compliance is insufficient. While the normative framework of international humanitarian law is robust, its enforcement remains inconsistent. Selective adherence and politicization of humanitarian norms have weakened trust in the system. The international community must therefore prioritize accountability for violations regardless of where they occur or who commits. them. Impunity continues to be one of the greatest enablers of repeated civilian suffering. A second lesson is that prevention is more effective than response. Too often, the international system mobilizes only after crisis have escalated escalated into full scale humanitarian emergencies. Early warning mechanisms exist, but early action is frequently delayed due to political constraints or lack of consensus. Strengthening preventive diplomacy, investing in conflict resolution, and addressing root causes such as inequality, exclusion, and governance deficits are essential to reducing civilian harm. Next, we must recognize that humanitarian action and political processes cannot be treated in isolation. Sustainable protection of civilians requires coherent coordination between peace, development, and humanitarian actors. Fragmentation of mandates and competition among institutions often reduces operational operational effectiveness. A more integrated approach is needed, one that places civilian protection at the centre of all international responses. The growing number of protracted crisis and evolving conflicts also shows that protecting civilians requires inclusivity. Women play a crucial role in humanitarian response and peace building, enhancing trust, access and operational effectiveness on the ground. Their meaningful participation is, therefore, both an equity issue and an operational necessity for more credible and effective protection outcomes. At the same time, conflict is increasingly extending into the digital space through harassment, disinformation and cyber abuse, disproportionately affecting women and girls. These calls for expanding civilian protection frameworks to include digital threats alongside stronger safeguards, monitoring and coordinated international action to address technology enabled violence. At the recently concluded Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa on 20th April 2026. I called for a global platform to address digital harassment targeting women and girls. And I reiterate my call in this for in this platform also. Ladies and gentlemen. Allow me not now to share Bangladesh's perspective and experience in this regard. Since 17th February 2026, our BNP led government under Prime Minister Tariq Rahman has been pursuing a people centric foreign policy guided by Bangladesh first. Emphasizing multilateralism while upholding international law, including international humanitarian law. In contrast to the human rights violations under the previous regime, our government has adopted a model of humane and good governance, while promoting transparency in the administration and state apparatus. Strengthening public awareness programs and advancing social development remains central pillars of our commitment to prevent recurrence of the incidents perpetrated by the last regime in Bangladesh. This commitment is reflected in our sustained engagement with the United Nations, including through active participation in UN peacekeeping. Today, Bangladesh remains one of the largest contributors globally. Our peacekeepers serve in complex environments, protecting civilians while also engaging in community support, medical assistance, and infrastructure rehabilitation. And as a woman, I'm particularly proud that many of our female peacekeepers continue to serve in frontline civilian protection roles. Recently on the International Day of UN Peacekeepers in Dhaka, our prime minister reaffirmed that Bangladesh views peacekeeping not merely as an obligation but as a moral responsibility to humanity. On humanitarian responses, I must also highlight the Rohingya crisis, which Bangladesh continues to shoulder as a severe and protracted burden. We host over 1 million forcibly displaced Rohingya, providing shelter and basic support, despite significant constraints. We reiterate with deep concern that the Rohingya women and children are suffering disproportionately due to their intrinsic vulnerabilities. This grim reality highlights the need for equitable burden sharing, sustained global support, and ensuring early repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar. Alongside accountability as a key deterrent. We repeat that humanitarian assistance alone is insufficient without a durable political solution to this crisis. Mr. Chair, the protection of civilians is not merely a legal obligation. It is a moral imperative and a test of our collective humanity. The gap between commitments and practice must be closed through political will institutional reform and shared responsibility. Bangladesh remains committed to working with all partners to uphold international humanitarian law and ensure that humanitarian principles are not only proclaimed but practiced. Let us move together from promises to concrete action. I thank you.


Presidente [10:49]:

Relaciones Exteriores de Bangladés. Y ahora me dirijo a la señora Samantha Sarifi directora ejecutiva de Citizen for Human Rights a la que formulo la siguiente cuestión. Cuáles son las consecuencias operacionales y humanitarias del creciente incumplimiento del derecho internacional humanitario. Tiene la palabra.


PHR · director ejecutivo [11:16]:

Thank you, Chair. Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, friends. At Physicians for Human Rights, for the last 40 years, we have worked at the intersection of medicine, science, law, and human rights to document attacks on health care and their impacts, and to seek accountability for these attacks. As we just heard from the representative of Bangladesh, the important issue is the lack of accountability for norms that states here have largely agreed to. I hope that what I can do today, in the few minutes that I have, is to frighten you all with the gravity of the situation that we are facing. I hope also to describe how we got to this dangerous place, but also at the end to encourage and inspire you and us all to take concrete steps toward a solution. Let me start with the words of one of our partners, our colleagues in the eastern Congo, which are now facing massive conflict, a huge displacement crisis, and as had been predicted after the abrupt cut to assistance to public health facilities in the Eastern Congo, an outbreak of multiple infectious diseases. At the top of the headlines is Ebola. This doctor told us that the outbreak is occurring at a time when we are no longer truly able to carry out proper epidemic epidemiological surveillance because of the conflict, because of the disruption in funding, because of the displacement. What's happening in DRC is getting headlines, but it is happening around the world. And this is something that we've called a poly crisis. The intensifying armed conflict, displacement, rising infectious disease threats, cuts to humanitarian and global health assistance and weakening respect for international rules, in particular attacks on health care facilities and humanitarian workers. And so what begins as an attack on a clinic in the DRC, in Sudan, in Ukraine, in Myanmar, in Gaza, or Ethiopia, can and will be felt across borders, across communities. No border, no border, no political arrangement can stop the spread of measles, of cholera, of tuberculosis, of Ebola. We've just heard described absolutely clearly and I'm going to steal your language here the issue of commitment without compliance. The norm protecting health care is one of the oldest protections in the laws of war. And in 2016, the Security Council adopted Resolution 2286 unanimously condemning attacks on health care, calling for better data collection, protection of humanitarian access, and stronger accountability. Last month, on the 10th anniversary of that resolution, it was gratifying to hear in this chamber, so many states, including all of the permanent members and nearly all, except for one member, confirming their commitment to this norm. Many of the states repeated exactly what you said. The problem is not the norm, but the lack of accountability. So is the problem with the lack of accountability? Again, we've heard selective and politicized application of international law. Rules that apply in Ukraine also apply in Lebanon. The same rules apply in Sudan, in Myanmar, in Ethiopia, in Colombia, in Iran, in the UAE, in Qatar. This information and law firm have perverted what was once a very clear norm. The very narrow exception to the norm protecting health care in conflict, that is that health care facilities or personnel may be targeted under very, very strict conditions if they have become militant, militarized, and specifically involved in harm to a military force. Only and only then under specific conditions can can they be attacked. This has now been twisted into a wide excuse justifying multiple attacks. Technological changes like drones and cyber operations, AI enabled targeting have increased the risk to health care. Civilian infrastructure increasingly depends on electricity, water, telecommunications, roads. Attacking these systems produces enormous health consequences. And finally, most disappointingly, is the dangerous rhetorical shift in some of the military and political discourse. In the language that elevates lethality over legality and the weakening of institutions designed to mitigate civilian harm. Lack of support for the WHO, which is the institution, which is the global mandate to monitor attacks on health care, to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, which has the global mandate to pursue accountability, to the International Criminal Court, which in many instances is the only venue available to pursue accountability. Attacking these institutions erodes accountability. There is no question about that. There are positive steps that can be followed. The development of civilian harm mitigation and response programs within militaries, an initiative led by the US, was a significant move forward in understanding the attacks on health care and what should be done about them. Weakening these institutions is a significant step back. It weakens accountability. What's the way forward? As I said, I'm now going to try to say what we need to do. The work of PHR around the world looking at multiple conflicts shows, despite all of the rhetoric, in fact, the attacks on health care by states have grown significantly over the last ten years, since Resolution 2286. According to War by our colleagues in the Safeguarding Health Coalition, the use of drone delivered explosive impacting health care surged by 43% in 2025. And it quadrupled already in 2024. Let me focus on one particular aspect of this, which is the impact of such attacks on mothers and on newborns, a category that has specific protection under international law. and that I think everybody in this chamber agrees has to be supported for the literal future of our species. These attacks on health cause immediate harm, but they also have repercussive impacts. Let me give you some example. Our research in Syria showed that attacks by Russian forces and the Assad government significantly impacted maternal maternal health. Attacks on maternal clinics prevented women from seeking health, prevented their newborns from seeking and receiving treatment, increases in in C sections. And then what we saw is, because of the lack of accountability, the same Russian forces that were acting in Syria took that exact same pattern of behavior to Ukraine. The same Iranian forces that were acting in Syria took that same pattern of behavior against their own population in Iran. This is what lack of accountability means. In Ukraine, Russian attacks on health and energy, including children's hospitals, have reverberating harms that affect not only hospitals, but even home based care. In Gaza, our partners at Mets and Dumont, Doctors of the World, reported a 300 percent rise in miscarriages since October 2023. In a study of 100 pregnant women by MDM, more than 20% of newborns were affected. Nearly 10% died in their first days of life. That's astonishing. 85% of pregnancies in Gaza now present at least one complication. Before the war, that was around 10%. In Ethiopia, attacks, insecurity, displacement, and restrictions on aid, the polycrisis by government forces and armed militias have significantly undermined health services. In Tigray, our research showed between 2020 and 2024, 17 17% of survivors of conflict related sexual violence tested positive for HIV. We've seen increasing rates of transmission of HIV from mothers to newborns, something that because of the PEPFAR program led by the US had nearly vanished is now coming back. And once it's happening in Ethiopia, it's going to happen everywhere. The lack of accountability is what multiplies these problems. There has been progress since 2286, so I'm going to try to end on a positive note. I guess part of the progress is that in those ten years, these attacks have become more visible. Multiple commissions of inquiry by the UN, fact finding missions, work by UN agencies, including our colleagues at the World Health Organization and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and crucially civil society like us has increasingly documented these attacks. But without your support, without political backing, resources, and follow through without support for OHCHR, the World Health Organization, the International Criminal Court. Speaking of accountability simply is rhetoric, and it will not do anything. This norm has to be strengthened. These events are really important, but it's crucial at the national level, at the military rules of engagement level, that we see these norms underlined. Ending impunity is paramount, not just through criminal accountability, which is significant, but also assistance to survivors and to victims, restitution, diplomatic consequences, and reparations. And this requires coordinated diplomatic, legal, economic, and institutional pressure to raise the cost of noncompliance. It is very encouraging to hear statements from the governor of Bangladesh in this regard. I hope these statements will be taken to heart and will be followed. All is not lost, but the danger is genuinely real. We need better documentation. We need better understanding that protecting health care and conflict is not just a legal and humanitarian imperative. It's also not just a moral imperative. It is a public health necessity, a security consideration. These diseases and the impact on civilians will not be stopped at borders or by a political considerations. And only coordinated international action, prevention, and accountability will stop this polycrisis from spreading further. We appreciate the opportunity to raise this issue with you. We look forward to your concrete steps forward. Thank you very much.


Presidente [23:16]:

Doy las gracias al director ejecutivo de CCSense for Human Rights. Y ahora Cedo la palabra al señor Rauf Masu, alto comisionado adjunto para operaciones del Alto Comisionado de Naciones Unidas para Refugiados, al que formulo la siguiente cuestión pregunta cómo contribuye la erosión de la protección de los civiles al desplazamiento? Señor Massoud tiene usted la palabra.


UNHCR · alto comisionado auxiliar para operaciones [23:51]:

Thank you very much, Chair. And I would like to join the previous panelists in thanking the ECOSOC for considering this question. Conflicts are a defining feature of our time. And according to the ICRC, there were more than 130 armed conflict worldwide in 2024. More than double the number recorded just 15 years ago. Entire generations have now grown up knowing only war. Behind every statistics, there is a child enabled to return to school, a family forced to flee, a community stripped of safety, dignity, and hope. The reality is dark. Civilians are paying the highest price for conflicts, they do not start and cannot stop. At the same time, as we've heard from previous speakers, attacks on humanitarian workers are becoming alarmingly routine. When humanitarian access is denied, protection is denied. And when protection is denied, displacement, suffering, and instability inevitably follows. Delivering our protection mandate requires three urgent actions. First, putting protection back at the center. International humanitarian law cannot become optional. Refugee law cannot become negotiable. The protection of civilians cannot depend on the politics of the day. This requires unified and consequential consequential action by states, the United Nations, regional organizations, humanitarian actors, and civil society. We need stronger coalitions that move beyond statements of concern, and mobilize political leverage, diplomatic engagement, and collective pressure to prevent violations and protect lives. As Yunishiya marks the 75th annual anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention this year. We are marking a simple we're making a simple but urgent appeal. The principle of non refoulement is not a policy preference. It is a life saving legal obligation. Second, invest in what protects people. Protection is often treated as a secondary concern, even where violence escalates. Protection is not what comes after security collapses. Protection is what prevents security collapse. And we know what works. What works Early warning systems that identify risks before they become crisis. Community based alerts, networks that connect affected populations to rapid responses. Humanitarian presence that deters, abuses, and keeps access open. Documentation that reduces vulnerability and safeguards rights. And accountability mechanisms that make clear that grave violation, including conflict related sexual violence, attacks on children, and forced displacement, will not go unpunished. Protection is also about ensuring access to rights, and enabling self reliance. And this is why UNICEA has made it a priority by 2035 to reduce by half the number of refugees in protracted displacement who are unable to meet their basic needs without external support. The focus is to expand access to solutions and opportunities for self-reliance, such as access to work opportunities national education, health and social protection systems, enabling refugees to live in dignity and security, realizing their potential. And third, a focus on accountability, partnerships, localization, and agency. Protection cannot be delivered to communities. It must be built with communities. At times, we may arrive with solutions while overlooking the people who understand risks best, the communities living through the conflicts. Local organizations, community networks, women led groups, refugee led organizations, and displaced persons themselves are not beneficiaries of protections. They are protection actors. They are the first responders, the trustee the trusted messengers, and often the last line of defense when formal system failed. Unisha has seen this firsthand from community outreach volunteers supporting vulnerable civilians in Lebanon and Syria, to women led organizations helping prevent and respond to gender based violence in Ethiopia. And this is why we are prioritizing our funding to local actors And in 2025, 2025, 71% of UNHCR's funded partners were civil society organizations. Development actors international financial institutions and regional organizations have a critical role to play. Protection risks are rooted in exclusion, inequality, weak institutions, and unresolved conflicts. conflict. These structural drivers require development solutions alongside humanitarian action. And I thank you.


Presidente [29:39]:

Doyle Gracias Al Alto Commissionado auxiliar para las operaciones de la oficina del Alto Comisionado de las Naciones Unidas para Refugiados. Y doy ahora la palabra a la señora Lucía Almi, directora de la oficina de programas de emergencia del fondo de las. Naciones Unidas para la Infancia. Y formulo la esta presidencia formula la siguiente cuestión. Cuáles son las eh cuáles son los problemas más urgentes en materia de protección a los que se enfrentan los niños hoy en día y qué pueden hacer los estados para abordarlos. Tiene usted la palabra señora Lucía Elmi.


UNICEF · directora de la oficina de programas de emergencia [30:19]:

The distinguished delegate, my colleagues and friends, I really wanted to thank you for having UNICEF at this table and really to focus on the situation of children. I think many of those contests that we mentioned in Bangladesh or the Rohingya refugees in Gaza, in Sudan, in DRC, the majority of the affected population is actually children. And and really to say how children are facing a range of urgent issues and violation in conflict setting today. Allow me to light two of the main violations, that are killing and maiming of children, and also attacks on infrastructure being schools, health centers, hospitals, a lot of water infrastructure and energy infrastructure. And also what we all can do as member states, civil society organizations, Society Organization and the UN. Also to recall that the Secretary General has issued his report on children in our country for 2025 yesterday. And it is going to be an open debate at the Security Council next week. The gravest protection risk of children facing conflict is the right to life. For the past three years, the Secretary General Annual Report on Children Armed Conflict has reported a double digit increase in the number of children killed and maimed. In 2025 alone, the UN verified more than 14,200 children casualties across 23 contexts. This figure illustrates a deeply concerning trend that represents only a fraction of the true toll on children and the actual number of violation is likely much higher. And in many contexts, this is also due to reduce access and also constrained to our teams on the ground. Nearly 70% of those children were either killed or maimed due to the use of parties to the conflict of explosive weapons in populated areas, as also the executive director of Physicians for Human Rights just mentioned, refers as a WIPA, mainly in Gaza, but also in Ukraine, in Sudan, in Afghanistan, in Myanmar, in Lebanon, in Yemen, and many other contests. Wherever explosive weapons are used in populated areas, 96% of casualties are children, as a civilian, including children. And those trends are exacerbated by new technology evolving as a means of mental warfare. For instance, the use of drones, again mentioned before by my predecessor, has increased dramatically. cheap and readily available, drones are increasing the weapons of choice for the use of explosive weapons. We see this unfolding in diverse contexts like in Ukraine, in DRC, in the state of Palestine, in the central side region and in Sudan. In Sudan, during the first quarter of this year alone, drone attacks accounted for nearly 80% of all child casualties. Armed drones have expanded the scope and reached hostilities civilians civilians who were previously unaffected by fighting and having a deep psychological impact on children. Children in conflict today describes as being always under surveillance. And the presence and the sound of the drones, and I saw it myself in many of the contests that I mentioned, Sudan, Gaza, Ukraine, really also expand this feeling of there is no way, no safe for for them. As mentioned at the outset as well, beyond the direct killing and maiming of civilians, we're witnessing a growing part in our attacks on civilian infrastructure. One single attack or collateral damage damage of an essential infrastructure is often enough to set a devastating cascading effect. Let me give you an example. In February last year, in the white Nile state sorry, in the white Nile state of Sudan, a strike on an energy system knocked out a primary water treatment plant that required electricity. As a result, families were forced to collect untreated water directly from the White Nile River. Two weeks later, 2700 cholera cases, including more than 500 children, were recorded in those communities. 60 65 people died, 10 of whom are children, and schools were closed with 50,000 children losing access to education. From Sudan, Gaza, Ukraine and Mali, we witnessed how the destruction of essential infrastructure, heightens children's vulnerability, and multiplies the protection risk they face. When schools are destroyed, damaged, and contaminated by explosive explosive ordinance, resurging increases in early marriage, child labor, recruitment, and use of children. When hospital capacity is reduced to become nonfunctional because of attacks of health facility or medical personnel, families might forgo essential health care for their children, including life saving vaccination, or face significant risk in attempting to reach alternative sources of care. As we say all over again, education in emergency is not only life saving, it's life sustaining and life changing, because also of the multiple impact on other services. Each attack on a facility is an attack of the entire system that upholds and safeguards the lives of children And when the system crumbled, the consequences disproportionately are felt by girls, children with disability, and other categories of vulnerable children. Now let me turn to your the last part of your question. What can Member States do and what we all can do as civil society and UN organization and partners? Four elements. Number one, as the primary duty bearers, party to the conflict might abide by international humanitarian law. Yet, Member States can and must also use the leverage and influence to ensure the respect by parties to the law. And to recall the laws of war set out the most basic protection affordable to civilian armed conflict, and should and should be our minimum threshold. Also, states should avoid the use of explosive weapons in populated areas and endorse the weap WIPA declaration. If the declaration already be endorsed, domestic implementation is fundamental, as actively engaging other member states on best practices and promoted, and whether your state is engaged in a conflict or not. Second, we must strengthen the protection of civilian infrastructure, including water and sanitation facility and the energy system. I urge Member States, especially the Security Council members, to use all tools at their disposal to influence parties to the conflict, to abide by their obligation to safeguard an essential system and services to sustain civilian life. Third, make sure that we retain the possibility to understand our children are impacted by conflict, including by safeguarding the children on conflict agenda, and other relevant human rights instrument. Those tools uncover the stand of civilian arming conflict and allow for collective action by the Security Council member, member state, and the wider public. This information also helps better direct our humanitarian response towards the protection of civilians, and most of all, the prevention of those grave violations. And ultimately, we, as humanitarian and development partners, civil society, have also a very important role to play. We need to place protection of civilians at the center of our action, across the four UN pillars. This means designing and implementing responses based on the protection of civilians and making sure that we have an integrated multi sectoral approach, including by leveraging our voice, our collective voice in the humanitarian diplomacy sphere as a tool to uphold the rights of the children everywhere and wherever they are. Thank you.


Presidente [38:22]:

Doy las gracias a la directora de la Oficina de Programas de Emergencias del Fondo de las Naciones Unidas para la Infancia. Y ahora me gustaría ceder la palabra a la señora Lisa Doughton. Directora de la División de Financiamiento y Relaciones Externas de OCHA, la que formulo la siguiente cuestión. Qué ocurre cuando el consenso en torno a las normas y principios humanitarios comienzan a erosionarse? Qué implica esto para el componente de defender el reinicio humanitario? Señora Utten tiene usted la palabra.


OCHA · directora de la División de Financiación y Relaciones Externas [38:59]:

Thank you very much, Excellency, for the opportunity to address the critical issue of protecting civilians in armed conflict and strengthening respect for international humanitarian law and humanitarian principles. You'll hear some familiar messages that my fellow panelists have voiced today, but they merit repeating over and over again. But until civilians are protected, international humanitarian law is upheld, as well as the principles, and that there's clear accountability for such violations. Over 37,000 civilians were killed across 20 armed conflicts in 2025, according to OHCHR. That's one civilian killed every 14 minutes. At that rate, that means that nine civilians will be killed during the duration of this meeting, this three hour meeting, nine people would be killed. Across multiple conflicts, civilians are paying the highest price. They're killed in their homes, in their markets, at work, at school, while fleeing for safety. All too often, they're not collateral damage. They're the ones paying the highest prices for choice choices made by those waging wars. Civilian infrastructure is damaged or destroyed. Essential services collapse. Communities already under strain face repeated displacement, deprivation, and fear. But none of this is inevitable. Wars have rules, and when those rules are ignored, civilians suffer first and most. Across crises, humanitarian organizations face growing access constraints, insecurity, bureaucratic restrictions, misinformation, and attacks on humanitarian personnel and assets. Too often, these attacks are not are not condemned. Too often, they're not investigated. And too often, there is no accountability. The Secretary General's latest report on the protection of civilians is clear in its warning. International humanitarian law is also clear. And the obligations of parties to conflict are clear. Humanitarian principles are clear. This is not a crisis of norms. It's a crisis of compliance and of political will. It has direct operational consequences. Respect for international humanitarian law is not only a legal or moral issue, it's fundamental to whether humanitarians can reach people in need at all. Humanitarian principles are not abstract concepts. Humanity, humanity neutrality, impartiality, and independence are what allow us to operate. They enable access. They sustain trust. They allow assistance to be delivered based on need and not on politics. When these principles are undermined, humanitarian operations become slower. They're more dangerous, more expensive, and less effective. When access is denied, aid is delayed. When civilians and infrastructure are attacked, needs multiply. When communities are displaced, crises deepen. Violations of international humanitarian law are not only legal or moral failures. They're drivers of human human suffering. This is why the defend pillar of the humanitarian reset is so important. To defend humanitarian action is not simply to defend institutions or mandates. It is to defend the international humanitarian law that protects civilians and constrains the conduct of hostilities. Is to defend the humanitarian principles that enable access and trust. Is to defend the conditions that allow humanitarian action to exist. And ultimately, it is to defend humanity and the darkest moments of conflict. There is no delivering without defending. This is particularly important at a time when we're witnessing a dangerous erosion of restraint. Across conflict, violence against civilians, attacks on infrastructure, and constraints on humanitarian operations are increasing and in some contexts becoming normalized. normalized. The erosion of restraint has consequences. When the rule of law is weakened by the rule of force, civilians pay the price, and humanitarian struggle to reach them. Despite this, humanitarian workers continue to deliver. Every day, they operate in some of the most dangerous environments to provide life saving assistance to millions of people. They take immense risks to reach people in need. Over 1000 aid workers have been killed over the past three years. You've heard that before. But humanitarian action cannot substitute for protection. It cannot compensate for violations. And it can't replace political responsibility. The international community already possesses the legal frameworks, principles, and operational capacity required to better protect civilians and support humanitarian action. What is needed is the consistent political commitment to uphold them. Excellencies, protecting civilians is not optional. Upholding humanitarian principles is not negotiable. And respecting international humanitarian law is not conditional. At a time of growing instability, we have to reaffirm a simple truth. Defending international humanitarian law, protecting civilians, and enabling humanitarian action are the responsibility of every member state. They cannot be separate objectives. There is no delivering without defending. Thank you.


Presidente [44:25]:

A la directora de la División de Financiación y Extensión de la Oficina de Coordinación de Asuntos Humanitarios de OCHA por su intervención. Y me gustaría ceder ahora la palabra a la señora Elise Moschini, observadora permanente del Comité Internacional de la Cruz Roja a la que formulo la siguiente pregunta. Cuáles son las consecuencias operacionales y humanitarias del creciente desprecio por el derecho internacional humanitario. Señora Lis tiene usted la palabra.


ICRC · observadora permanente [44:54]:

Chair. Thank you chair. Excellencies colleagues as indicated by your question respect for international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians are under unprecedented strain. Last month, the president of the ICRC told the Security Council, wars fought without rules transform wars between combatants into wars against civilian civilians. This is not an abstraction. It is a daily reality we witness in our operations. The operational and humanitarian consequences of disregard for the rules of war are both devastating and accelerating. Three dimensions exemplify this. The first, when IHL is disregarded, civilians bear unacceptable consequences. We see rising civilian casualties attacks on health care, the weaponization of food and water, the destruction of essential services. Civilian harm is not only the immediate consequences of individual attacks, it is also the cumulative impact of such attacks on essential infrastructure, which aggregate over time and create systemic crises. When water and health systems collapse, when energy grids fail, when connectivity is disrupted or shut down, populations of entire cities can be pushed to the limits of survival. People are not only killed by weapons, they are killed by the dismantling of essential service systems that sustain their lives. This dangerous slide is propelled by an insidious normalization of violence and dehumanizing narratives. Wars fought without limits, narratives that portray the enemy as subhuman or seek to justice justify deliberate destruction, threaten the moral foundations of our humanity. The second, when NIHL is disregarded, humanitarian space collapses. Humanitarian organizations face growing access restrictions, insecurity, disinformation campaigns, and bureaucratic impediments. Neutral, impartial, independent humanitarian action is being obstructed, and the consequences are deadly. The conditions for some humanitarian colleagues have become excruciating, including colleagues threatened, detained, held hostage. 31 Red Cross and Red Crescent staff and volunteers were killed in 2025. And in April of this year, the UN reported, as cited by our OCHA colleague now, over 1000 humanitarian personnel were killed while performing life saving work in the last three years. Attacks on humanitarian personnel call into question the protections that IHL was designed to provide to humanitarian personnel and to the civilian population. Some attacks spark public outrage. Others pass unnoticed. But every attack represents a failure of humanity. The third point, these patterns are amplified and accelerated by technology. For all its benefits, technology is also reshaping the battlefield with important policy and legal implications. To cite three examples, the prolonged presence of drones, as just described by our colleague from UNICEF, over homes, schools, farms, and hospitals creates constant fear and restricts people's movements, even during pauses in hostilities, drone countermeasures and failed or fallen drones also increased the risk for civilians, including long term risks generated by the presence of explosive remnants of war. Cyber operations, whether deliberately or by mistake, may have dramatic effects on civilians. As malware malware can spread instantly around the globe, it has the potential to affect critical civilian infrastructure and essential services such as health and water systems and to impede the logistic systems that humanitarian operations depend upon. Artificial intelligence and machine learning for decision making enable widespread collection and analysis of data sources. They may identify people or objects, assess patterns of life and behavior, make recommendations for military strategy or operations, or make predictions about future actions or situations. They accelerate decision making, sometimes reducing the time available to meaningfully verify targets or assess proportionality. Distance between human operators and the impacts of their decisions grows both physically and conceptually. To translate commitments to practice, technological evolution must be matched by concrete safeguards that preserve human judgment, human control, and human dignity. Against this backdrop and the unbearable realities described by my fellow panelists today, I offer one avenue. The global initiative to galvanize political commitment to IHL was launched in 2024 by Brazil, China, France, Jordan, Kazakhstan, and South Africa. Less than two years later, 113 states have officially joined, and more than 160 states have taken part in consultations to develop practical recommendations. concrete measures to strengthen the protection of civilians and preserve the protective purpose of IHL. The ICRC encourages all states to join the initiative to contribute actively to its outcomes, including participating at the highest possible level in the Humanity and War Conference to be held in Jordan on 7th December. Excellencies, I conclude with one ask. The consequences of disregarding IHL are devastating for victims and for our humanity. The ICRC will continue to combine prevention efforts, protection action, and assistance close to affected people, bilateral dialogue, and diplomacy. But our action cannot counter the depth of the devastation we see. Today we urge all states to act to uphold humanity in war. Thank you.


Presidente [50:54]:

Doy las gracias a la observadora permanente del Comité Internacional de la Cruz Roja. Y ahora me gustaría ceder la palabra a la señora Merbat Hamaldel Neil. Fundadora y directora general del Centro Sudanés para las personas y el empoderamiento quien se une a nosotros de manera virtual. Y le formulamos la siguiente pregunta. Desde la perspectiva de las comunidades afectadas de los actores locales de respuesta qué significa la protección en la práctica. Señora Mandelney tiene usted la palabra.


fundadora y directora general [51:33]:

For having me. Excellencies and distinguished deliberates. Assalamu alaikum. You ask what what protection in practice means for the affected communities and for the responders in Sudan. I will tell you, because right now, for the people of Sudan, protection is mainly aware dome paper. Since April 2020, we are witnessing here in Sudan is not just a conflict. It is a deliberate systematic rule ruthless war against civilians. And it is happening under the eyes of international community. For us, protection is not only like abstract policy discussing in a safe hall. It is a basic survival need. Interactive protection for us. Mean, a pregnant woman not be leading to the death or suffering or suffering a miscarriage on a death way because she had to flee for her life. In practice, protection also means a guarantee that those seeking refuge are not arbitrarily detained, tortured, sexually violated, and abducted for ransom or similarly executed in the dark. In practice, protection means means our frontline local responders, especially the brave the brave women led organizations And the youth who is who stepped into the void left by the international community can save lives without becoming targets themselves. Yet this fundamental protection do not exist. Civilian infrastructure is disseminated. Densely populated areas are resistantly warm. People are starved and denied essential healthcare and food. And how they were responded with profound paralyzing inaction. The safety of civilian has been treated as an afterthought in political and mediation efforts. There is no clearer, nor more shameful example of of this Zan al-Fasher example. The whole world was said that the city was under sake for two years. you hear the alarms. The massacre was clearly predicted. And yet the international community stood by and took no real action to prevent it. And many cities are on their way. Silence and inaction in the face of such and atrocities bereaved immunity as you know. We cannot bring we cannot bring back those we lost in El Fashi. But you have the power to dictate what have been tomorrow. So we ask that the safety of civilians be blessed at the absolute center of all political canals. All political mediations going now. Uh we ask enough pressure on the warning barriers to force respect for international law. We do we do not need expressions of concerns. We need we need you to use every political, diplomatic, and humanitarian tool at your disposal to stand with the people of Sudan. Uh left. Thank you.


Presidente [56:32]:

Doy las gracias a la fundadora y directora general del Centro Sudanés para el Empoderamiento de las Personas. Y daré ahora la palabra a quienes desean formular observaciones o preguntas sobre las exposiciones que acabamos de escuchar. Las delegaciones que deseen pedir la palabra deberán manifestar su intención levantando su placa pero en este caso sería pulsar el botón


representante [56:56]:

Ladies and gentlemen. all protocol observed. My name is Ambiola Weyekon. I'm representing Below Africa. I want to thank the organizer of this program for the opportunity to ask the UN Secretary General designate questions. My question centered on the UN Haiti initiative and the legacy of the future summit. You know which actually presents an opportunity Creo


Presidente [57:35]:

Que se ha colado

Una intervención que no

Procede. en esta.

Les pido disculpas por esta interrupción. Toda vez que no no tocaba en el orden de esta sesión que estamos celebrando. Damos continuidad a esta sesión. Y quisiera recordar a las delegaciones que deben respetar estrictamente el límite del tiempo acordado de 3 minutos a fin de dar cabida al mayor número de de posibles intervenciones. Eh a fin de garantizar la correcta interpretación. Se ruega a las delegaciones que hablen a un ritmo pausado y faciliten con antelación una copia a los servicios en la secretaría. Eh mmm tenemos ya solicitudes de intervención. Ah doy ahora la palabra al distinguido representante de Australia. Y a continuación al distinguido representante de Alemania.


Australia · Ministerial Group for the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel · representante [58:45]:

Thank you, President. And I'll do my best to speak in time, although without a timer, it makes it very challenging. So feel free to shut me down. Listen, I'm honoured to deliver a statement on behalf of the Ministerial Group for the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, comprising Australia, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Sierra Leone, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. And it's clear to all of us that there has never been a greater need to mobilise action to protect civilians, including humanitarian personnel. When humanitarian lives are put in danger, it undermines their ability to deliver life saving aid, limiting how, where, and whom they can serve. Practical and preventive action is needed to ensure that humanitarian personnel are protected. The Declaration for the Protection of humanitarian personnel provides a pathway forward to sustained and tangible action. As the declaration's ministerial group, we are taking steps to advance this agenda. First, we are committed to strengthening respect for international law and addressing impunity for violations. Respect for international humanitarian law is not optional, and as reaffirmed in UNSC Resolution 2730, parties to armed conflict must respect international humanitarian law in all circumstances. And we condemn, in the strongest terms, actions that have killed UN peacekeepers and all unlawful attacks on humanitarian personnel including national and locally recruited personnel. Second, we commit to taking practical measures to reduce the risks that humanitarians face on the ground. And we support activities to improve security assessments, promote humanitarian legal protections, and enhance incident reporting. And third, we urge all states and non state parties to armed conflict to allow and facilitate safe, rapid and unhindered access for the delivery of humanitarian assistance to all civilians in need in accordance with relevant humanitarian law. Humanitarian activities must not be criminalized, and humanitarian personnel must be respected and protected and we notably condemn arbitrary arrests and detention of personnel. With 113 signatories to the declaration so far, there is strong political will to support this agenda. Thank you, President.


Presidente [1:01:08]:

Doy las gracias al distinguido representante de Australia y ahora doy la palabra al distinguido representante de Alemania seguido por la Federación de Rusia.


Germany · representante [1:01:20]:

Thank you, Chair. Germany would like to thank Spain for putting this crucial panel on protection and international humanitarian law on the agenda of the humanitarian affairs segment. And thank you to all the panelists today for their insightful remarks. The massive rise of systematic attacks on civilians, humanitarian workers and civilian infrastructure, including health care infrastructure, is devastating. These attacks constitute grave violations of international humanitarian law. Germany expresses its deepest gratitude to all humanitarian personnel on the ground, often working under dangerous and unacceptable circumstances. The past three years we've heard today have been the deadliest on record for humanitarian workers. We can't let 2026 be the fourth year. The legal framework is in place. What we need is accelerated implementation and collective political will. Germany sees three key priorities First, accountability. Perpetrators must face consequences through national and international mechanisms. Second, monitoring. We need strong stronger, systematic data on a text that reaches the Security Council and enables concrete action. And third, prevention. The protection of civilian and humanitarian infrastructure and staff must be consistently embedded in military doctrine, procedures, and command structures during times of war and peace. For our part, Germany stands ready to contribute. We will remain a steadfast defender of international humanitarian law. Continue to engage in humanitarian diplomacy to end conflicts and advocate for safe and unhindered humanitarian access. to all conflict zones, including in Gaza and Sudan. We are also an active member of the ICRC's Global Initiative to Galvanize Respect for International Humanitarian Law, as well as the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel. We urge all member states who have not yet done so to join these important initiatives. To conclude, allow me one additional question to the panel. We've heard it today, again, local humanitarian actors in the communities are often severely affected by IHL violations. Which preventive measures have been proven effective in terms of protection and prepared preparedness against such attacks? And how can we make sure that local actors, including women led organizations, benefit from such measures? And also, how can member states support these efforts? Thank you.


Presidente [1:04:09]:

Doy las

Gracias

A la distinguida representante de Alemania y ahora doy la palabra al distinguido representante de la Federación de Rusia, seguido de Filipinas.


Russian Federation · representante [1:04:21]:

Уважаемый господин председатель, Российская Федерация выразила свою позицию по теме данной сессии вчера в нашем национальном заявлении. Одновременно хотели бы сделать замечание по сегодняшней сессии, по произошедшей дискуссии. Представитель Physicians for human rights много говорил о международном гуманитарном праве и необходимости отказаться от двойных стандартов. Однако его собственное выступление стало примером именно такого избирательного подхода. Мы услышали политизированные обвинения в адрес России и Ирана. При этом, когда речь зашла о газе, где гибнут десятки 1000 гражданских лиц, руйнуются больницы, блокируется гуманитарная помощь и уничтожается гражданская инфраструктура, оратор предпочел не назвать, кто это делает и кто этому способствует. Когда речь зашла о ситуации вокруг Ирана, он также предпочел не упоминать о развязанной против этой страны войне, которая привела к тяжелым гуманитарным последствиям. Разве это не двойные стандарты? Хибо можно призывать к универсальному соблюдению МГП, но при этом одни ситуации политизировать, а другие обходить мовчанием, если критика политически неудобна? Цена Ціна высокопарным призывам невелика, если они сопровождаются столь очевидной политической избирательностью. Россия в свою очередь подтверждает приверженность международному гуманитарному праву и считает, что она должно применяться добросовестно, обьективно и без политической избирательности. Благодарю за внимание.


Presidente [1:06:01]:

Дой лас грациас ал репрезентанте. Действительно, representante de la federación de rusia y ahora tiene la palabra el distinguido representante de Filipinas.


Philippines · representante [1:06:15]:

Thank you chair. The protection of civilians like lies at the core of our collective responsibility. Yet civilians continue to pay the highest price in armed conflict. Attacks on civilian populations and infrastructure, including health care facilities, schools, water, systems, and humanitarian personnel are unacceptable and undermine both human dignity and the rules that govern armed conflict. The Philippines calls on all states and parties to armed conflict to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law, international human rights law, and refugee law. Respect for the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence remains indispensable to ensuring that humanitarian assistance reaches those most in need. Wherever they are and without discrimination. Excellencies, international commitments acquire their fullest meaning when supported by effective national implementation. In the Philippines, civilian protection is supported by laws such as the act on crimes against IHL, genocide and other crimes against humanity, and the special protection of children in situations of armed conflict act. Our armed forces of the Philippines integrates IHL into its doctrine training, and operations, including adherence to the principles of distinction, proportionality, and the protection of civilian infrastructure. We recognize the importance of investing in capacity building, training, and accountability mechanisms to strengthen compliance with IHL. Particular attention must be given to the protection of women and children consistent with the women, peace, and security agenda. and efforts to protect children affected by armed conflict. At the same time, emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and autonomous weapon systems, present new challenges for civilian protection. As these technologies evolve, we must ensure that humanitarian principles and legal obligations remain fully respected. The Philippine Philippines looks forward to the high level conference on IHL in Jordan later this year, as an opportunity to reinforce global commitment to protecting civilians and upholding the rules that safeguard humanity in times of conflict. Thank you. Thank you.


Presidente [1:08:44]:

Doy las gracias a la distinguida representante de Filipinas. Y ahora doy la palabra al distinguido representante de Sigma Tetutau. Seguido de distinguido representante de Indonesia. el microphone Puede activar el micrófono? Levante la mano por favor. Okay Thank

You


representante [1:09:32]:

Thank you chair. Your Excellencies and distinguished colleagues, my name is Regina Yun, and it is an honor to represent the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing on behalf of our nurse members globally. Medical centers were once a place of refuge and conflict, where health care providers cared for all those that came under the principles of neutrality and impartiality. Now we are facing unprecedented times with civilians, health care and humanitarian aid workers, as well as essential infrastructure targeted and attacked with impunity. Last year, there was 1,358 attacks impacting health care services recorded across 19 countries. This resulted in 1981 deaths. The majority of these incidents impacted health facilities or transport and harmed both health care providers and patients. These thefts represented dedicated health care providers, including nurses and midwives, that faced the double burden of both working in a conflict while facing one, and yet went to work under impossible circumstances anyway, intending to use their expertise to help the most vulnerable. Under attached international humanitarian law, civilians, aid workers, health care providers, and infrastructures such as hospitals are protected. It is not an option. It is a legal obligation. The targeted attacks and systemic destruction represent catastrophic consequences and cascades. Disruptions of essential services lead to increased rates of disease outbreaks and malnutrition. And communities die from causes that are preventable and otherwise treatable. In addition, vulnerable populations such as women and girls bear disproportional amount of the burden related to gaps in sexual and reproductive health services, including deaths due to lack of emergency maternal care. Remember, over half of maternal deaths globally stem from just 17 fragile context. In addition to current crises, climate change acts as a threat multiplier, accelerating humanitarian needs. Health systems in fragile settings cannot absorb crisis after crisis without structural investment. We need proactive, climate resilient health infrastructure infrastructure sustained by long term financing built with local actors who know and provide services to their communities best. Therefore, humanitarian response was no longer be reactive and fragmented, but be holistic, intersectional, and gender responsive. Addressing needs beyond immediate survival, but build health systems that encompass physical and mental health, psychosocial well being, protection, and resilience. The Johns Hopkins Center for Humanitarian Health's Lancet Commission has recommended that health must be upheld as a non negotiable right and protection of health care and health care workers as such. Only through localization, climate resilience, accountability, and protection of human rights and dignity with communities as its center, can we build a more equitable and peaceful future for all? Thank you very much.


Presidente [1:12:21]:

Distinguida representante de Sigma de Tutau y ahora tiene la palabra el distinguido representante de Indonesia seguido por Cuba.


Indonesia · representante [1:12:49]:

Okay thank you Mr.. chair indonesia thanks the panelists for the valuable insight indonesia aligned itself with a statement by australia on behalf of the ministerial group for the declaration for the protection of humanitarian persons. personnel. The figures before us are not statistics. They represent real life loss. More than 332 humanitarian personnel killed in a single year. UN peacekeepers targeted medical facilities attacked, these are not accident. They are violation. Indonesia condemned in the strongest terms all attacks on humanitarian personnel, UN peacekeepers, and medical facilities in armed conflict. We call on all parties to see such attacks immediately and uphold their obligation under international humanitarian law. Mister chair, moving from commitment to practice requires three things. First, I IHL must be upheld without double standard. All parties to conflict must respect the core principle of IHL without exception. Selective application of IHL undermines the credibility of the entire framework. As one of the co-chairs of the work stream of the global initiative to galvanize political commitment to IHL, Indonesia invites the international community to make IHL a genuine political priority, not only in times of crisis but as a sustained commitment. Second, accountability. Violation of IHL must not go unpunished. States must ensure full prompt and impartial investigation. Third, humanitarian access must be ensured. Safe, rapid, and unimpended access for humanitarian actors must be guaranteed. Obstruction of humanitarian aid and targeting of medical personnel and facilities are grave violation that cost lives and must cease immediately. Mr. Chair, a question to the panelist. Beyond the declaration and resolutions, what mechanism have proven most effective in changing the behavior of parties to conflict with respect to IHL compliance. I thank you.


Presidente [1:14:57]:

Y tiene ahora la palabra el distinguido representante de Cuba seguido de Suiza.


Cuba · representante [1:15:03]:

Muchas gracias señor presidente. La protección de civiles en situaciones de conflicto armado constituye una obligación jurídica y moral ineludible. Sin embargo, la realidad actual demuestra una alarmante brecha entre los compromisos asumidos por la comunidad internacional y su implementación efectiva. De acuerdo al más reciente informe del secretario general sobre la situación de los conflictos armados en el mundo. La conflictividad global ha alcanzado su nivel más alto en una década con nueve conflictos internacionales activos y un aumento de las hostilidades en el 45% de los casos. Lo anterior se ha combinado con un debilitamiento notable del multilateralismo y del respeto al derecho internacional. mientras prolifera la carrera armamentista, aumenta el gasto militar global y se normaliza el uso de la fuerza con un notable aumento de ataques contra objetivos civiles. Condenamos los ataques deliberados o indiscriminados contra civiles y la infraestructura civil, incluidos hospitales, escuelas, instalaciones humanitarias y energéticas, así como sistemas de abastecimiento de agua. Rechazamos igualmente el uso del hambre como método de guerra y cualquier acción que obstaculice el acceso seguro, rápido y sin trabas de la asistencia humanitaria a las poblaciones necesitadas. Destacamos que la mejor forma de proteger a la población es evitar los conflictos. Atender sus causas radicales como la pobreza, la exclusión, las desigualdades, las medidas coercitivas unilaterales unilaterales. Reafirmamos que el respeto estricto de la Carta de las Naciones Unidas, el derecho internacional y el derecho internacional humanitario debe ser la piedra angular de cualquier esfuerzo encaminado a proteger a las poblaciones civiles. La acción humanitaria debe regirse siempre por los principios de humanidad, neutralidad, imparcialidad e independencia. La asistencia humanitaria no debe ser utilizada como instrumento de presión política ni condicionarse al logro de objetivos geopolíticos. Tampoco puede servir de pretexto para la injerencia en los asuntos internos de los estados. Para avanzar verdaderamente de los compromisos a la práctica, urge un compromiso renovado con la solución pacífica de las controversias, el respeto a la soberanía, la independencia y la autodeterminación de los estados y el multilateralismo. Debemos desterrar la filosofía de la guerra, las retóricas agresivas contra naciones soberanas y potenciar más el diálogo y la cooperación internacionales. Urgen en definitiva acciones concretas hacia el desarrollo sostenible, sin el cual no habrá paz duradera. Y por ende seguiremos enfrentando enormes retos en materia de paz y seguridad a niveles regional y global con consecuencias impredecibles para las poblaciones. civiles. Muchas gracias.


Presidente [1:18:02]:

Doy las gracias al distinguido representante de Cuba. Tiene ahora la palabra la distinguida representante de Suiza seguido de Canadá.


Switzerland · representante [1:18:12]:

You, Chair. And thank you to all panelists for their insightful remarks. At a time of growing polarization, Switzerland remains committed to promoting the respect and preserve the integrity of international humanitarian law. as a universal framework that protects civilians in all situations of conflict. Switzerland expresses concern regarding the growing trend to relativize AHL, and recalls that it is binding on all states. Switzerland underlines that IHL is a protective body of law that must be interpreted in good faith, and hence opposes any permissive interpretation of its rules that undermines the protection of civilians. Switzerland will continue to invest in dialogue, humanitarian diplomacy, and engagement with all parties to conflict, to strengthen respect for international humanitarian law, including its rules related to humanitarian access. As humanitarian needs continue to grow, respect for IHL must be raised as a political priority. This includes the obligation to allow allow and facilitate rapid and unimpeded access to all civilians in need. For humanitarian action to remain principled and effective and hence relieve suffering and save lives, international humanitarian law must be respected by all parties to the conflict at all times and in all circumstances. circumstances In that regard, Switzerland actively supports ICRC's global initiative to galvanize political commitment to IHL, as well as the Declaration to Protect Humans and Personnels. I thank you.


Presidente [1:19:56]:

Doy las gracias a la distinguida representante de Suiza. Tiene ahora la palabra la distinguida representante de Canadá seguido de United Kingdom.


Canada · representante [1:20:06]:

Thank you chair and thank you to the panelists for their powerful interventions. As state parties for the Geneva Conventions, we have all agreed to preserve the lives of the most vulnerable and to uphold human dignity. We know all too well that the erosion of these established norms carries devastating consequences. Injury and loss of life, displacement obstruction of life saving assistance for populations in need, the destruction of civilian infrastructure, and the enduring trauma of war. As member states and as donors, there is also a stark financial reality that we cannot ignore. Billions are invested each year to address the devastating consequences of the noncompliance with international humanitarian law. Reducing the impact of conflict on people and objects protected by international humanitarian law costs far less than addressing the aftermath of violations. All parties to conflict must move beyond rhetoric and translate their commitments and obligations under international humanitarian law into concrete actions. And states must continue to exert pressure to strengthen compliance and, with it, reinforce our collective humanity. Canada is committed to this task, including through Humanity and War Initiative and advancing the Declaration for Protection of Humanitarian Personnel. We must also be bold in robust diplomacy, both publicly and behind closed doors. With a united vision grounded in our shared commitment to the Geneva Conventions, we have the collective power to turn the tide and make real difference in the lives of millions of conflict affected people around the world. Thank you.


Presidente [1:21:33]:

Doy las gracias a la distinguida representante de Canadá. Tiene ahora la palabra la distinguida representante de United Kingdom seguido de United States.


United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland · representante [1:21:45]:

Thank you, Chair. And also thank you to all of our briefers for their really interesting and insightful statements today. I think one thing that the panel has made very clear is the scale and the severity of civilian harm. And it's truly, truly alarming. The attacks on civilians and humanitarians reflect a seriously dangerous shift away from the norms that were designed to protect them. The Geneva Conventions sit at the heart of IHL, and they're rooted in the imperative to protect those who are caring for the wounded and sick. I think one of our briefers said that attacks on health care have a reverberating impact, and we wholly agree with that. And this is why the UK has funded some important research to evidence those reverberating impacts. impacts. And this monitoring of incidents and their impacts is really important so that we can use that evidence to drive specific action that sustains services, that protects patients and medical personnel, and that crucially upholds IHL as well. Protection as I think our brief from UNHCR said protection is indeed it's not a secondary concern. It must be at the forefront And it must also keep pace with the changing technological nature of conflict. And I think we heard a bit more about that from our briefers today. And this is also why the UK is supporting a global roadmap to help mitigate risks posed by unmanned aerial systems to humanitarian operations. And we encourage other states to join us in that as well. We also launched the Hamburg last year on conflict hunger and international humanitarian law. And that aims to translate international humanitarian law into practical action to address the devastating trend of conflict. and hunger. And we would really encourage partners to work with us and use this resource to strengthen our kind of collective engagement on this issue. Finally, I'll just say, as others have said, that we are proud and active member of the Australia led, the Australia led ministerial group for the protection of humanitarian personnel, and also the ICRC's global initiative to galvanise political commitment to IHL. And we think those are both very important initiatives. So just to conclude, today we've been urged to take concrete actions and move beyond rhetoric. These are just a few things we can do to protect IHL, and we will continue to use our position to do that and press parties to the conflict to protect civilians. Thank you.


Presidente [1:24:26]:

Doy las gracias a la distinguida representante del Reino Unido. Y ahora tiene la palabra distinguido representante de Estados Unidos. Distinguida representante de Estados Unidos.


United States of America · representante [1:24:37]:

Thank you chair. The United States stands with humanitarians around the world who are working every day to assist people affected by crisis. We support them and reiterate our thanks for their work. In the Security Council, the United States remains steadfast in our support for the protection of civilian civilians agenda. We will continue to shape peacekeeping missions with appropriate and suitable protection mandates, while also integrating other critical issues like support for the facilitation of humanitarian access. And we maintain our clear position that international humanitarian law must be respected in situations of armed conflict. Additionally, we are working to strengthen protection of civilians and humanitarian action through our funding and efforts to support reforms to the humanitarian system. For example, our shift to pooled funding is delivering critical assistance to the field and in record time and demonstrating a faster, more accountable, efficient, impact driven, locally driven, and hyper prioritized model of humanitarian assistance. We also know however, that humanitarian assistance cannot and will not solve conflict. For this reason, the United States has consistently incorporated humanitarian issues into our diplomacy, including peace initiatives spearheaded by our president. The United States stands ready to collaborate with humanitarian organizations and other member states in advancing these efforts. Thank you.


Presidente [1:26:15]:

Doy las gracias a la distinguida representante de Estados Unidos. Y ahora tiene la palabra la distinguida representante de Secure Islamique France.


représentante [1:26:27]:

Monsieur l'Ambassadeur, Monsieur le Président, merci de me donner la parole. Je représente l'organisation humanitaire Le Secours islamique France. Je souhaiterais aborder deux enjeux qui nous paraissent essentiels et recueillir les réactions des intervenants. Donc les 1ers points concernent les impacts spécifiques des violations d'ODIH sur les enfants dans un contexte de réduction des financements. Alors même que la protection de l'enfance demeure structurellement sous-financée, bien qu'elles constituent un secteur vital, la situation s'est fortement dégradée depuis 2025. Et une étude récente montre, qui a été menée dans 68 pays, indique que 84 % des acteurs font face à des coupes budgétaires et que la moitié a perdu plus de 40 % des financements. Parallèlement, trois quarts rapportent une augmentation des violations des droits de l'enfant et les nouvelles données sur 2020 2025 qui ont été mentionnés tout à l'heure, qui sont sortis hier, le confirment. Donc la diminution des programmes entraîne directement baisse de suivi et de documentation de violation, une réduction de l'engagement auprès des parties en conflit et on a un affaiblissement des mécanismes de redevabilité favorisant l'impunité. La simple présence de personnel humanitaire joue pourtant un rôle essentiel dans la protection des enfants. Donc il est essentiel de s'interroger sur la place accordée aux enfants dans la diplomatie humanitaire. Comment garantir que les droits des enfants ne soient pas relégués au second plan ? Au-delà des initiatives spécifiques sur l'enfance, comment on peut s'assurer que l'ensemble des actions diplomatiques liées au conflit intègre systématiquement des priorités et des engagements sensibles aux droits des enfants. Le risque est en effet réel parce que question des enfants soit soit marginalisée, y compris dans les mécanismes de redevabilité relatifs aux violations du DIH. Donc si des dispositifs dédiés existent, tels que les MRM, il est impératif que tous les mécanismes intègrent de manière systématique une approche fondée sur les droits de l'enfant. Et un second point que je voulais aborder concerne par contre la protection du personnel humanitaire, et en particulier les risques croissants en termes de criminalisation et les effets de la désinformation. Les narratifs qui remettent en cause la légitimité des organisations humanitaires, ainsi que la confusion entre les mandats, constituent aujourd'hui une menace majeure pour la sécurité du personnel engagé dans le respect des principes humanitaires. Ces dynamiques altèrent la perception des organisations humanitaires en tant qu'acteurs neutres, indépendants et impartiaux. Elles réduisent leur acceptation par les populations et les parties au conflit, et augmentent ainsi les risques de violence et de criminalisation. Et ces risques se cumulent aussi avec les contraintes financières actuelles, qui conduisent certaines organisations à arbitrer à entre la continuité de leurs actions auprès des populations et les les investissements nécessaires dans leur dispositif de sécurité. Donc voilà, je voulais interroger les intervenants euh sur les pistes d'actions possibles. Comment lutter efficacement contre ces narratifs dangereux ? Comment renforcer la redevabilité des acteurs à l'origine de ces campagnes de désinformation ? Et quelles bonnes pratiques existent pour prévenir la criminalisation des acteurs humanitaires ? Et comment peuvent elles être déployées à plus grande échelle. Je vous remercie.


Presidente [1:29:46]:

Nous l'avons dit. de representante de Guatemala seguido de Noruega.


Guatemala · representante [1:29:57]:

Gracias. Gracias presidente. Gracias presidente. Agradecemos por la convocatoria de este debate y a los panelistas por las valiosas exposiciones que enriquecen nuestra reflexión sobre el derecho internacional humanitario. Guatemala observa con profunda preocupación dos datos del informe anual del secretario general. El primero que en el año 2025 más de 326 trabajadores humanitarios perdieron la vida en 21 contextos de conflicto. El segundo, que 64.5% de la financiación del Fondo Central para la Acción en casos de emergencia se destinó a respuestas ante crisis provocadas por conflictos. Estas cifras evidencian que en materia de protección de civiles debemos traducir nuestros. compromisos en resultados concretos. Asimismo pone de manifiesto la urgente necesidad de reforzar la protección del personal humanitario. Para ello es indispensable que las partes en conflicto garanticen un acceso humanitario seguro rápido y sin obstáculos. Respeten y protejan al personal humanitario y médico de conformidad con el derecho internacional humanitario. Investiguen de manera pronta, independiente e imparcial los ataques contra estados contra estos trabajadores. Y fortalezcan los mecanismos nacionales e internacionales de rendición de cuentas para que los responsables de estas violaciones enfrenten consecuencias reales. Como país que ha atravesado un conflicto armado interno Guatemala conoce de primera mano el costo humano de no proteger a la población civil. Esta experiencia nos obliga a insistir en que esta protección debe traducirse en acciones concretas. Las normas y los compromisos ya existen. El desafío radica en garantizar su cumplimiento efectivo. Como muestra de este compromiso, Guatemala se adhirió a la iniciativa global para el derecho internacional humanitario que que reconoce la necesidad de redoblar esfuerzos para asegurar la aplicación efectiva de estas normas. En ese sentido, recordamos la resolución 2286 del consejo de seguridad que llama a todas las partes en conflicto a respetar sus obligaciones en virtud del derecho internacional humanitario. Por último resaltamos la necesidad de proteger a la población civil y su infraestructura así como al personal médico y humanitario. Cuya labor resulta indispensable para salvar vidas en contextos de conflicto. Esto requiere medidas concretas garantizar corredores humanitarios seguros prevenir ataques contra hospitales e instalaciones civiles fortalecer los sistemas de alerta temprana. y asegurar investigaciones efectivas cuando así se requiera. Revertir la tendencia que demuestra que 2/3 de la financiación humanitaria de emergencia se destinan a crisis generadas por conflictos. exige reforzar la prevención el respeto del derecho internacional humanitario y la rendición de cuentas. Estas deben de convertirse en prioridades efectivas y no únicamente en obligaciones declarativas. Muchas gracias. Muchas gracias.


Presidente [1:33:11]:

Doy las gracias a la distinguida representante de Guatemala y tiene ahora la palabra la distinguida representante de Noruega seguido de UNFPA.


Norway · representante [1:33:22]:

Thank you chair and thank you to all panelists for highlighting the many challenges we face and concerns that we share. violations of international humanitarian law and erosion of established norms. attacks on health and humanitarian personnel. and protection concerns such as sexual and gender based violence and conflict related sexual violence, as well as risks to children, refugees and displaced people. We agree that impunity and lack of accountability must be addressed. Violations of IHL must be called out wherever they occur and regardless of the perpetrator. Chair, I will focus on sexual and gender based violence. Human rights, including women's rights and gender equality, must be at the core of a reformed humanitarian system. The humanitarian reset must center protection in an inclusive way, placing those most at risk at the heart of our efforts. Protection from conflict related sexual violence and sexual and gender based violence, as well as support to survivors, is a key priority for Norway. While women and girls are most exposed, boys, men, and LGBTQI plus persons are also at risk. Through partnerships with the UNFPA, other UN organisations, the Red Cross and Red Crescent movement, and civil society, we support prevention and response to gender based violence, as well as sexual and reproductive health services for women and girls affected by crisis. These are life saving services that must be prioritized from the outset of any emergency. Norway chairs the call to action on protection from gender based violence in emergencies in 2025 and 2026. A network of around 100 members, including states, donors, UN agencies, and NGOs. Its objective is to strengthen efforts to prevent, mitigate, and respond to GBV in humanitarian crisis. In light of disproportionate funding cuts affecting women and girls, we will use this platform to safeguard SGBV prevention in the reformed humanitarian system. So I ask the panelists, how can we ensure that SGBV is addressed from the very start of every crisis? And finally, sexual violence as a tactic of war must end. We urge member states to find collective ways to hold perpetrators accountable and to fight impunity. Thank you.


Presidente [1:35:44]:

A la distinguida representante de Noruega tiene ahora la palabra el distinguido representante de UNFPA seguido de Egipto.


UNFPA · representante [1:35:54]:

Thank you Mr. President excellencies. We continue to face a global protection crisis marked by rising attacks on civilians, on health facilities, including maternity wards, and on women and girls safe spaces. Sexual violence as a weapon and tactic of war continues to increase. We have heard today how attacks on health services directly impact maternal newborn health. 60% of preventable maternal deaths occur in fragile settings. We've also heard about international humanitarian law being under attack and humanitarian principles being disregarded. The protection needs in addition, the protection needs of women and girls have never been higher. In 2026, the United Nations Population Fund estimates that 84 million people need gender based violence prevention and response services These are women and girls and people in all their diversities who have experienced or are at risk of sexual violence, exploitation, forced marriage, and trafficking. Women and girls have experienced conflict related sexual violence and gender based violence require access to specialized services and support. Yet insecurity, movement restrictions, and attacks on humanitarian workers curtail access to survivor centered services, especially in hard to access areas. areas. The situation is exacerbated by funding shortfalls. A recent protection cluster survey found that about two thirds of gender based violence organizations, mostly local actors, reported cuts impacting their interventions, which are life saving. As the global provider of last resort for gender based violence prevention and response, Unipeer remains committed to ensuring that life saving GBV services and those for sexual and reproductive health are available when and where no other actor can provide them. UNFPA is uniquely positioned to ensure uninterrupted access to essential reproductive health and gender based violence commodities, enabling the continuity of care even in the most challenging operational context. We thank member states for their support, and ask for continued provision of predictable and flexible funding to recognize sexual and productive health and gender based violence services as life saving, and to help close critical funding gaps in priority crises. This is especially important, given recent announcements of humanitarian funding for which UNFPA is not eligible. Ensuring that the protection of women and girls is addressed requires that the specialized protection and health services that women and girls and people and all the diversity required are treated as priority in every crisis response around the world. Thank you.


Presidente [1:38:17]:

Do you las gracias al distinguido representante de UNFBA ahora tiene la palabra el distinguido representante de Egipto seguido de Etiopía.


Egypt · representante [1:38:35]:

تعكس تقارير السكرتير العام بشأن حماية المدنيين في النزاعات المسلحة، وكذلك تقريره المقدم للمجلس الاقتصادي والاجتماعي تصاعدا مقلقا في الهجمات على العاملين في المجال الإنساني وعمال الإغاثة. كما تكشف التقارير الأممية عن تصاعد الهجمات ضد موظفي الأمم المتطرفة الأمم المتحدة، حيث قتل أكثر من 136 موظف أممي خلال عام 2025 ثمانون منهم من الأونروا. ووفق تصريحات السكرتير العام قد قتل من موظفي الأمم المتحدة في غزة أكثر من أي صراع آخر أو كارثة في تاريخ الأمم المتحدة. هذه المؤشرات تعكس التراجع الحاد في الالتزام بالقانون الدولي، والخروقات والانتهاكات الحادة بحقه. هذه المؤشرات تكشف عن إشكالية إثبات علينا بحث سبل حماية من يقدم الحماية للمدنيين، وهو ما يؤدي إلى تعقيد العمل الإنساني، ناهيك عن ما يمثله هذا الأمر من خرق للقانون الدولي الإنساني. أيضا تعد هذه الهجمات المتكررة بمثابة سوابق متكررة تخلق نمطا واعتيادا على الهجوم على العاملين الإنسانيين وموظفي الإغاثة وموظفي الأمم المتحدة. الحصانة التي كنا نظن أنها ممنوحة لهؤلاء العاملين في المجال الإنساني أصبحت تنتهك مرة طوال أخرى، بحيث نخشى أنها ستخلق حالة من الإعتياد على هذا الأمر. سابقا سعت مصر خلال عضويتها في مجلس الأمن في عام 2016 لاعتماد القرار 22 86 الخاص بحماية الكوادر الطبية والمرافق الصحية في حالات النزاع المسلح. لدينا كما قلنا سابقا خلال النقاش العام ترسانة من القوانين والقرارات الأممية. ترسانة تدعو للفخر ولكن في ذلك الوقت هي ليست بدليل للنجاح. أحيانا يكون تراكم القوانين والقرارات الأممية دليلا على عدم الالتزام بالقانون الدولي وفجوة في الإنفاذ والتنفيذ. مجددا أشدد على أن الإشكالية تكمن في تنفيذ والإلتزام وإنفاذ القانون وليس في وجوده. شكرا السيد الرئيس.


Presidente [1:41:26]:

Doy las gracias al distinguido representante de Egipto. Y ahora tiene la palabra el distinguido representante de Etiopía seguido de Sweden.


Ethiopia · representante [1:41:38]:

Thank you, Mr. President. Ethiopia welcomes this segment on the transition from relief to development, a priority that reflects our own national experience and approach to humanitarian and a and recovery efforts. Mr. President, my delegation categorically rejected the characterization of Ethiopia by one of the panelists as a government that deliberately restricted humanitarian assistance. Such assertations are unbalanced and failed to reflect the realities on the ground. Ethiopia has consistently worked in collaboration with the United Nations and the humanitarian partners to facilitate the delivery of life saving. assistance to conflict and the disaster affected areas in line with international humanitarian law. Since the Pretoria Agreement of 2022, Ethiopia has made substantial progress stabilizing affected areas facilitating humanitarian access, and supporting the safe, voluntary return of displaced populations. We are particularly proud of our of progress in the health sector. Facilities damaged during the conflict are being rehabilitated. Health workers have been returned to their postes, and essential services, including maternal and primary health care, are being restored across previously affected areas. Humanitarian organizations, including health partners, continue to operate across the country, including in the north, with expanding access to deliver assistance where needed. We would like to encourage the panelists to update his note accordingly, drawing on the on the most recent assessment from our UN country team. Ethiopia remains firmly committed to international humanitarian law and to its obligations regarding the protection of civilians, health workers, and health facilities. Our continued cooperation with UN agencies and health and humanitarian partners reflected this commitment, and we welcome continued engagement rather than reliance on characterizations that do not reflect current realities. We we also wish to highlight Ethiopia's own efforts to bridge the relief to development continuum including health system construction, livelihood restoration, and the work of our National Dialogue Commission in supporting durable locally owned recovery and reconciliation. Furthermore, Ethiopia is making steady progress on its path to on its path towards sustainable development and the national reconciliation as demonstrated by the peaceful conduct of its general election just two weeks ago. We look, we look forward to continue to continue constructive engagement with this council grounded in accurate and updated information. I thank you Mr. President.


Presidente [1:44:19]:

Doy las gracias al distinguido representante de Etiopía. Tiene ahora la palabra el distinguido distinguida representante de Suecia seguido de Unión Europea.


Sweden · representante [1:44:34]:

Thank you Mr. President. Let me let me start by giving full support for the global IHL Initiative, as well as the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel. We meet at a moment when the protection of civilians is under extraordinary strain. Across many different regions, we are witnessing a failure of political will. Civilians are targeted, humanitarian access is obstructed, and international humanitarian law is violated with impunity. These are political choices, and they require political response responses. This is why diplomacy, including humanitarian diplomacy, has become indispensable. Operational negotiations in the field remain vital, but they are no longer sufficient on their own. The decision decisions that determine whether aid reaches people in need, whether corridors open, and whether parties respect their obligations are shaped in capitals, in regional organizations, and in this building. Member states possess diplomatic tools, relationships, influence, political capital that can and must be mobilized to uphold international humanitarian law and secure access. And this includes when it's politically difficult, also in relation to partners and allies. Respect for IHL is not optional, and ensuring respect is a legal obligation for all states. As financial pressures and geopolitical fragmentation intensify, humanitarian diplomacy becomes a force multiplier. It is one of the few tools that can expand humanitarian space without expanding humanitarian budgets. But it must be strategic, sustained, and connected to real outcomes for people. Thank you.


Presidente [1:46:14]:

Doy las gracias a la distinguida representante de Suecia. Y ahora tiene la palabra el distinguido representante de la Unión Europea seguido de Argelia.


EU · representante [1:46:25]:

Thank you Mr. President. Today there are more than 130 active conflicts worldwide. That is more than double the number of just 15 years ago. And these conflicts account for roughly 70% of global humanitarian needs. That statistic in itself makes it clear that promoting the respect for international humanitarian law needs to be our collective first priority for the entire humanitarian community. International humanitarian law is, still the most powerful tool to protect civilians in times of war. And promoting international humanitarian law and humanitarian access is not optional, as many of you have said. It is the very foundation and very central tool to effective and safe humanitarian action. The European Union is committed to strengthen its humanitarian diplomacy, as we have set out in the policy communication that we have issued on the 27th of May. We will strengthen our humanitarian diplomatic efforts and we will try to intensify the effectiveness of these work. We will be making better use of the network of EU delegations that we have across the world. We will use better our political and economic tools. We will be developing trainings for diplomats And we will be trying to work together with all 27 member states as a European bloc. I also think this is an area where we can develop more cooperation between the United Nations and donors. It is an area where we need to team up and do better together. The European Union is also stepping up on the protection of aid workers. We have a regional program that provides legal and other types of support to victims, of violence among aid workers. And we will be rolling out that program across the globe in the coming months. Thank you.


Presidente [1:48:29]:

Doy las gracias al distinguido representante de la Unión Europea. y para finalizar en esta ronda tiene la palabra el distinguido representante distinguida representante de Algeria.


Algeria · representante [1:48:45]:

For their sobering insights. Recent grave violations of international humanitarian law demand our immediate attention. Millions of civilians in conflict zones still endure the threat and impact of direct attacks. the weaponization of starvation, the obstruction of humanitarian assistance, and the horrors of forced displacement. They also face the consequences of the collapse of health care and education systems. This underscores the urgent need to reexamine our collective approach to international humanitarian law. Upholding international humanitarian law is an absolute obligation. IHL must be applied universally without selectivity. Furthermore, parties to conflict must protect vital infrastructure crucial to human survival and allow safe, immediate, and unhindered humanitarian access. Current violations directly undermine the ability of humanitarian actors to operate safely and effectively. In this regard, Algeria is actively engaged on this agenda, serving as co-chair of the working group on protecting civilian infrastructure within the global initiative to galvanize political commitment to IHL. Mr. Vice President, we are also witnessing an alarming normalization of attacks on medical care personnel. Our unwavering commitment to their protection was firmly reaffirmed when Algeria signed the Declaration on the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel in September, 2025. We must also ensure that the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence remain the cornerstone of the delivery of humanitarian assistance. crucially breaking the cycle of recurring violations require securing full accountability and prosecuting perpetrators through established legal frameworks. Mr. vice President, this requires mobilizing collective will and decisive action to effectively translate commitment into practice. Only through our shared determination can we safeguard our humanity and ensure that international humanitarian law is fully enforced and universally respected. I think you.


Presidente [1:51:04]:

Doy las gracias to the representative of Haley. A continuation invito a los distinguidos y distinguidas panelistas a responder a las observaciones y preguntas planteadas. Doy la palabra en este momento a la señora Elise Moschini, observadora permanente del Comité Internacional de la Cruz Roja. Tiene la palabra.


Speaker 58 [1:51:25]:

I think she doesn't want to speak.


ICRC · observadora permanente [1:51:31]:

Thank you.


Presidente [1:51:37]:

Muchas gracias. Tiene la palabra Raouf Mazú alto comisionado auxiliar para las operaciones de la oficina de alto comisionado de Naciones Unidas para Refugiados.


UNHCR · alto comisionado auxiliar para operaciones [1:51:49]:

Thank you very much, Chair. And I would like to to thank all participants for the intervention on this crucial topic. And one of the most visible consequences of attacks on civilian populations is forced displacement, which remains at an extremely high number 114 million people displaced internally and refugees. And as noted at the beginning of this panel by the state minister for foreign affairs from Bangladesh, a country which hosts over 1 million Rohingya refugees, the solution in a case like this one is to facilitate the return, voluntary return, in conditions of safety and dignity of of these populations. The other point that we've heard from all and which is important to underline is the importance of financing and mobilizing the necessary resources for humanitarian assistance. And we all know that there has been a drastic reduction in the in the resources available. And that has had very serious consequences on civilian population. This being said, we all know that humanitarian assistance is not sustainable. And it is essential to try and make sure that forcibly displaced populations are given the means to be self-reliant, as early as possible when the circumstances allow. And this is at the heart of our protection strategy as as UNHCR. This requires not just action of humanitarian actors. But it also requires the action, as we've heard from many of development actors include and and we probably did not underline that enough, but also of the private sector. And I would like to thank you.


Presidente [1:53:48]:

Doy las gracias al alto comisionado auxiliar para las operaciones de la oficina del alto comisionado de las Naciones Unidas para refugiados. Y ahora doy la palabra a Lucía Elmi directora de la oficina de programas de emergencia de UNICEF.


UNICEF · directora de la oficina de programas de emergencia [1:54:05]:

Mr. President thank you distinguished delegates for all the intervention in terms of support. of children, vital social services, the imparity and importance of protecting them during during conflict. Maybe from my side, a couple of additional points. The first one is related to the Children Armed Conflict Agenda, and really the support to the monitoring and reporting mechanism and how Member States can support the MRM. It is not only a mechanism to to monitor and report on a grave violation. But it's also an important, a very important tool to to mobilize actions, our action, member state action, and particularly in parties to the conflict. Because parties to the conflict, they have the opportunity to be delisted when and if they sign and implement those action plans. action plans. So really the importance to make sure that we follow through and the implementation of those action plans is is fast tracked. And second also the issue of of in any to really listen to the voices of children and to really listen to what they have to say. And if you ask them what they want and what they need in conflict, they will tell you one thing. They want to be protected. They want to be in a safe environment. And they want to be able to be with their peers. They want to be able to learn, to be in school without fears and without being attacked under the sound of the buzzing of a of a drone. And my last point is really the importance of our collective voice. We spoke we heard a lot about humanitarian diplomacy, humanitarian advocacy, and really urge the influence that you have as a Member State and us collectively to influence the parties through the conflict, their behaviour, and also to influence other Member States who have leveraged in those parties to the conflict. Thank you.


Presidente [1:56:10]:

Doy las gracias a la directora de la oficina de programas de emergencias de UNICEF. Y ahora doy la palabra a Lisa señora Lisa Doutin directora de la División de Financiación y Extensión de la de Ocha. Tiene la palabra.


OCHA · directora de la División de Financiación y Relaciones Externas [1:56:29]:

Thank you very much chair. And I joined my colleagues in thanking all of you for your statements of support for protecting civilians in our increasingly difficult environment of operating as humanitarians, but also certainly those that we aim to serve. I just wanted to make three quick points. One is a component I wanted to highlight that I don't believe really came through here, which is the increasing criminalization criminalization of humanitarian action. We've seen in many countries across the world where humanitarian humanitarians are detained. They are prosecuted for just doing what they need to do, which is to serve the civilians and serve the people most in need. So the Secretary General has called on member states to integrate humanitarian carve outs in their counterterrorism legislation to ensure that aid workers are not detained, prosecuted, or condemned for implementing legitimate humanitarian work. So that's the first point. The second I wanted to address the point or the question raised by the distinguished colleague from Germany about how to make sure local actors and women led organizations are supported. So thank you very much. I just wanted to add to I just wanted to provide two different overarching points. One is compliance with IHL and accountability remain essential to this for any and all, but including local local local partners, local national actors, and should apply equally to all civilians, whether local national actors and international. This is really the foundation of what we're looking at. The second is I met with the UN Department of Safety and Security, UNDSS, yesterday. And this is a point that we were actually talking about. And we were talking about how to support local and national actors in their role, because of course that is where we're going with the humanitarian reset. We want to ensure that the increased voice agency and action by the by local national partners. So we need to support them, enhance their protection and security. Security costs have to be integrated into programming to help mitigate the risks of these different incidents. And security management systems must be adapted to better protect local staff, and particularly NGO staff. So I would say that this is one issue that we have to really think about collectively to ensure that we can advance localization in an environment of safety and security, for those that are trying to serve the people that need it most. The last point I wanted to make is in response to the distinguished colleague from Norway. The emergency relief coordinator, Tom Fletcher, has made it very clear that services to victims of GBV must be prioritized, including by highlighting the differentiated needs of women and girls, especially in conflict. So I think by continuing to to highlight this important priority, It's very much central to the humanitarian reset, and at the heart of the the defend pillar of the four Ds of the humanitarian reset. So I do want to just repeat what I had said at the beginning and at the close of of my statement which is there is no delivering without defending. Thank you.


Presidente [1:59:40]:

Doy las gracias a la directora de la División de Financiación y Extensión de OCHA. Y ahora doy la palabra a la señora Merbat Hamelneil, fundadora y directora general del Centro Sudanés para el Empoderamiento de las Personas, que lo hará de manera virtual. Tenemos algún problema. técnico. Pasamos la palabra al siguiente panelista el señor Saman Zia Zarifi director ejecutivo de Citizens for Human Rights.


PHR · director ejecutivo [2:00:42]:

I want to join my panelists in thanking everyone for the very important contributions and statements of support for humanitarian workers, and in particular for health care workers. First, First, I want to really thank and respond to the comments from the distinguished delegate from the Russian Federation. It is absolutely correct. I'm checking my remarks, but I want to be clear that Israel has carried out significant attacks on the health care system in Gaza and in Lebanon. We have spoken out on this quite significantly, and so there was no intention about that. We have also significantly criticized statements by the United States government, suggesting that there will be deviations from IHL in the course of its conflict. So thank you for raising that oversight on my part. And I want to also use that opportunity to talk about some of the concrete measures and the lack of accountability we've talked about. I look forward to the Russian Federation's support for the International Criminal Court in investigating these violations, and the context of the war in Gaza. Any violations by Israel or Hamas have to be investigated properly, independently, and we look to your support for those for those investigations by the International Criminal Court. And we hope you will support the International Criminal Court without any sense of double standards in its other investigations. This issue goes to a major conceptual conceptual problem in this discussion today. This is the job of NGOs to say these unpleasant, undiplomatic things. We have talked about violations. We have talked about victims and survivors as if they are suffering from a natural phenomenon. Attacks on humanitarians and health care workers are not natural phenomenon. It's not the rain. It's not an earthquake. In statement after statement delegates failed to name the perpetrators. And it's important for accountability to name the perpetrators. Now, you're diplomats. This is not the forum. So what is the concrete way forward? Multiple people have asked about this. It's very clear. It's the WHO that monitors attacks on health care systems. Other UN agencies monitor attacks on their own actions. We would like to see the Secretary General pull this together, I'm going to guess, with financial support from you all, to create a mechanism that gathers this information that can report it back. It's the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights that has the responsibility for investigating these attacks, and gathering evidence, and looking forward to accountability processes. As I've said multiple times to many of you, there is half a person at OHCHR that is responsible for documenting attacks on health care. So we really appreciate the statements of support, the demands for accountability. The process has to go through those two agencies and the rest of the UN to gather the information. And then it has to go through civil society organizations. like me, who will say the unpleasant things, who will carry out the unpleasant investigations, who will gather the evidence to push through for accountability. In this regard, I also want to thank the the distinguished delegate from Ethiopia for stating their commitment to supporting the health care situation and the humanitarian situation in the context of a very complicated conflict. As always, we civil society organizations are not here just to be antagonistic. I look forward to discussing with the Ethiopian government. They've requested just now that we update our figures. I want to be very clear We have updated our figures. Significant attacks on health care facilities and humanitarian actors are continuing in Tigray. But now that pattern of behavior has spread to Amhara and Afar Province. levels of sexual violence that are unprecedented have been documented since the Pretoria Agreement. I am sure that these are issues that need to be addressed by the Ethiopian government. We look forward to working with them closely. We look forward to working with all of you. The route to accountability goes through being able to identify perpetrators, to provide the platforms like the Internet International Criminal Court that will at some point put those perpetrators on trial, give them due process, and if necessary, provide accountability. That's the only way forward. I hope that we can translate all of the statements in support of accountability and in support of these norms into concrete action towards justice mechanisms, restitution, and assistance for the survivors and the victims. Thank you very much.


Presidente [2:05:42]:

Agradezco la intervención del señor Samanzia Sarifi. Y hemos finalizado aquí las intervenciones. Quiero agradecer a los panelistas Excelencias, colegas, permítanme comenzar agradeciendo a todos y cada uno de los panelistas sus valiosas contribuciones a un debate tan enriquecedor como necesario. Creo que esta conversación ha puesto de relieve, de forma muy clara, las consecuencias humanas y operativas de los desafíos descritos en el informe del secretario general. A lo largo del debate, ha surgido con claridad un mensaje común La erosión del respeto por el derecho internacional humanitario no es una cuestión abstracta. Tiene consecuencias reales e inmediatas para los civiles para las operaciones humanitarias y para el sistema humanitario en su conjunto. Hemos escuchado cómo, en numerosos contextos, la población civil sigue enfrentándose a la violencia, los desplazamientos forzosos y la privación en condiciones extremadamente difíciles. Cómo los daños causados a hospitales, escuelas e infraestructuras básicas conducen al colapso de los servicios esenciales? Y cómo estas dinámicas alimentan un sufrimiento humanitario cada vez más profundo y prolongado? También hemos escuchado cómo las restricciones de acceso, la inseguridad y los riesgos operativos dificultan cada vez más que las organizaciones humanitarias puedan llegar a las personas necesitadas de forma segura y eficaz. El debate ha reforzado así una idea muy sencilla la protección de los civiles y la acción humanitaria son inseparables. Ambas están profundamente interrelacionadas. Cuando la protección falla, las operaciones humanitarias se vuelven más difíceis, más costosas y menos eficaces. Y en última instancia, son los propios civiles quienes soportan las consecuencias. El panel también ha puesto de relieve un amplio consenso en torno al hecho de que el derecho internacional humanitario establece obligaciones fundamentales. Los civiles deben ser protegidos, debe respetarse el acceso humanitario y el personal humanitario y sanitario deben poder desempeñar su labor en condiciones de seguridad. Ha habido un amplio reconocimiento de la importancia de estos principios. Al mismo tiempo, nuestro debate también ha reflejado que las perspectivas difieren según los contextos, especialmente en lo relativo a la aplicación de estas obligaciones y a la rendición de cuentas. Y ello constituye un importante recordatorio de la complejidad de los entornos en los que se desarrolla hoy la acción humanitaria. También pone de relieve la necesidad de seguir promoviendo el diálogo, el compromiso y la cooperación entre todas las partes interesadas. Excelencias, de este debate pueden extraerse varias conclusiones. En primer lugar, existe un amplio consenso en que las consecuencias de las deficiencias de protección son graves y tienen un impacto duradero. En segundo lugar, ha quedado patente que el respeto del derecho internacional sigue siendo esencial no solo para la protección de los civiles, sino también para garantizar la acción humanitaria. Y en tercer lugar, el debate ha puesto de relieve que hacer frente a estos desafíos se exige un compromiso sostenido y la adopción de medidas concretas. Como reflejan tanto el informe del secretario general como la protección sobre la protección de los civiles, como el debate de hoy, están en una responsabilidad. Esta es una responsabilidad compartida. De cara al futuro, este debate pone de manifiesto la necesidad de seguir fortaleciendo el diálogo, impulsar medidas concretas en apoyo a la protección y preservar las condiciones que hacen posible la acción humanitaria. Esto pasa, entre otras cosas, por mejorar el acceso humanitario, reforzar la seguridad del personal humanitario y garantizar que la asistencia llegue a quienes más lo necesitan. Excelencias, este panel también ha reforzado una idea más amplia que atraviesa el conjunto de este segmento. La relación entre protección, acceso y prestación de asistencia es fundamental. Y preservar este vínculo sigue siendo esencial para una acción humanitaria eficaz. A medida que avancemos en nuestros trabajos quisiera animarnos a todos a incorporar estas reflexiones a nuestra labor y seguir comprometidos con el fortalecimiento de enfoques colectivos allí donde sea posible. Permítanme concluir, reiterando mi agradecimiento a todos los panelistas y participantes por sus valiosas contribuciones. Y también agradecer a los servicios de interpretación que han sido capaces pese a mi lectura muy muy rápida de traducir de incorporar en cada lengua el mensaje. El consejo volverá a reunirse esta tarde, a las 03:00, a las 15:00, con esta sala para celebrar el panel de debate de alto nivel sobre el tema fondos con impacto. Financiar la acción humanitaria para obtener resultados que ayuden a las personas necesitadas. Se levanta la sesión.