débat annuel sur « la protection des civils dans les conflits armés »
UN Security Council’s Annual Public Debate on Civilian Protection in Armed Conflicts
On Thursday, the United Nations Security Council will hold its annual public debate focused on the pressing issue of protecting civilians during armed conflicts. This session will be led by Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis, featuring notable speakers including Tom Fletcher, the UN’s Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs; Sima Sami Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women; Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC); and Janti Soeripto, President and CEO of Save the Children US.
The debate aims to assess the evolving threats to civilian safety, explore the effectiveness of international humanitarian law (IHL) and international human rights law (IHRL) in conflict situations, and identify ways to enhance accountability mechanisms while promoting a more comprehensive approach to conflict prevention.
A concept note prepared by Greece, which holds the presidency of the Council for May, emphasizes the changing dynamics of modern armed conflicts. These changes are characterized by the widespread use of explosive weapons in populated areas, the deployment of new military technologies, cyber operations, and the escalating prevalence of misinformation. Such developments present heightened risks for civilians and create growing challenges for humanitarian access and the safety of aid workers, UN personnel, and journalists.
During the debate, Fletcher is expected to present the Secretary-General’s latest annual report on civilian protection, dated May 15. This report highlights the distressing state of civilian safety in 2024, noting that over 36,000 civilians have lost their lives in 14 conflicts—representing a 7.5% increase from 2023, which in itself had seen a staggering 72% rise compared to 2022. Moreover, the report outlines significant damage to civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and water supply systems, alongside growing food insecurity.
Fletcher will also express concerns regarding the diminishing respect for international humanitarian law, which has contributed to the increased civilian harm witnessed in 2024.
In addition to this, Soeripto is anticipated to focus her remarks on the plight of children in armed conflicts, providing insights into the specific threats and challenges faced by humanitarian workers in these environments. Other speakers may address contemporary challenges in civilian protection arising from misinformation, hate speech, and the misuse of new technologies.
Conclusion
This annual debate underscores the urgent need for more effective measures to protect civilians in conflict zones, particularly in light of the evolving nature of warfare and its implications for humanitarian efforts.
