SECURITY COUNCIL PRESS STATEMENT ON PROTECTION OF CIVILIANS IN ARMED CONFLICTS

Following is the press statement on the protection of civilians in armed conflict delivered today by the Council President, Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser ( Qatar):

The members of the Security Council conducted an informative, substantive and enriching discussion today during the open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict and noted that, since the introduction of this topic in 1999 in the Security Council, it has seen considerable progress in various fields.

The members of the Security Council stressed that the unanimous adoption of Security Council resolution 1674 (2006), on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, was a pivotal development in regard to this important subject. That resolution reinforced the framework established by previous resolutions 1265 (1999) and 1296 (2000).

The members of the Security Council emphasized the steady commitment of the Security Council to translate the terms of Security Council resolution 1674 (2006) into concrete actions, in order that the capacity of the Organization to deal with the protection of civilians in armed conflicts is enhanced. The members of the Security Council expressed a desire to remain seized of this matter and will await, with keen interest, the next report of the Secretary General on the protection of civilians in armed conflicts.

The members of the Security Council expressed their gratitude and appreciation to Jan Egeland, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, whose efforts, commitment and dedication have enriched the Council’s work. They wished him the very best for the future.

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