Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at the briefing on the protection of civilians in armed conflict 

Thank you President.

Let me begin by thanking OCHA Director Doughten, USG Michaud and Ms. Stoddard for their valuable inputs.

Mr. President,

The number of armed conflicts has reached unprecedented levels. War is a horrendous everyday’s reality for too many people around the world. Worse still, serious violations of international humanitarian law are growing and the rules are often completely disregarded. This is unacceptable.

We once again remind all parties to all conflicts of their obligations under international humanitarian law. We also remind all parties of their obligation to ensure full, safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access to all civilians in need, without exceptions.

Mr. President, let me address the following points:

Firstly – In most armed conflicts, the humanitarian and the UN and associated personnel is the first help to civilian population. In many situations they remain the only help. They serve with the utmost dedication in the most difficult and challenging situations, often with their own lives being endangered. A sad reminder – this year has so far been the deadliest when it comes to death among the humanitarian personnel.

Despite the deteriorating conditions and safety concerns, they continue to operate in Gaza and the West Bank, Ukraine, Sudan, Lebanon, Syria, DRC, Afghanistan and Myanmar, to name a few. Those are the most dangerous places for the humanitarian workers and are at the same time places where civilians need the humanitarian aid most urgently.

We call on all states to take all necessary steps to facilitate administrative procedures in order not to unduly delay or impede the provision of humanitarian assistance, as they are often the only lifeline for many civilians. 

Secondly – This Council must do utmost to support the work and ensure the safety and protection of humanitarian personnel. Resolution 2730 was a step in the right direction and a timely reminder to all parties to armed conflicts of their obligations at all times and in all circumstances, including regarding the humanitarian personnel. In this regard, we welcome Secretary-General’s concrete recommendations to enhance the protection of humanitarian, and United Nations and associated personnel.

With this in mind, Slovenia joined the Australia’s open pledge on Enhancing the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, launched last month in Geneva.

Thirdly – Those responsible for violations of international humanitarian law must be held accountable. Every state should adopt a legislation properly sanctioning violations of IHL. If not willing or able to investigate and prosecute, cases of grave violations should be referred to international courts, including the International Criminal Court. States should also adopt measures to prevent violence against humanitarian personnel.

In this regard, more attention should be given to the issue of disinformation and misinformation regarding humanitarian personnel and assistance they provide. This is extremely dangerous, even life threatening. And states should do utmost to prevent disinformation, hate speech or targeting of the humanitarian personnel as they may have very serious repercussions both for the personnel and for civilians caught in the conflict. They should ensure public access to reliable and accurate information.

Mr. President,

I will conclude by paying tribute to and expressing Slovenia’s great appreciation and support for the work of the UN and humanitarian personnel, who, through their selfless efforts, work on alleviating the unbearable suffering of civilian population. For this, they deserve our gratitude and they deserve our protection.

I thank you.

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