Protection of Civilians
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In the Security Council the thematic focus on protection of civilians in armed conflict is relatively recent and dates from the late 1990s. However, the issue has been a concern for many Council members over the years. The disproportionate burden that war imposed on civilian populations in the twentieth century has been a key factor. In the past century, the ratio of civilian casualties to military casualties as a result of conflict rose steadily until civilian deaths surpassed those of combatants. Causes included not only direct violence but also malnutrition and disease precipitated by war.
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In May the Council is expected to hold an open debate on protection of civilians in armed conflict. (In recent years, there has been an understanding in the Council that there would be two major public meetings on protection of civilians each year.) Under Secretary-General John Holmes will update the Council on developments since the Secretary-General’s last report on the topic in October.
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The Council will hold an open debate on protection of civilians in armed conflict on Tuesday, 20 November. It seems that the Secretary-General and Under Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs John Holmes will address the Council. Members are expected to discuss recent findings and recommendations contained in
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The Council will hold an open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict on 22 June, following a briefing by the Under Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator John Holmes.
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On 4 December, the Council will receive an open briefing from Under Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Jan Egeland, followed by an open debate. No formal Council action is expected.
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On 28 June, following a briefing by the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Jan Egeland, the Council will hold an open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. The theme of the debate will be the implementation of resolution 1674 of 28 April 2006, especially in the context of drafting mandates of peacekeeping operations.
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After more than three months of negotiations, the Council remains unable to arrive at an agreement on several aspects of the draft of a third resolution on the protection of civilians in armed conflict.
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On 13 April 2006, in order to try to break the stalemate which had developed over the draft resolution on protection of civilians which has been under negotiation for four months, the UK circulated to all Council members a new draft resolution. It seems, after consultations amongst the P5, that the new draft has good prospects for wide acceptance in the Council.
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More than six weeks after the Secretary-General, in his 28 November report (S/2005/740) on the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict, recommended that the Security Council adopt a resolution:
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The Council will hold an open briefing and is expected to adopt a third resolution on strengthening and enhancing the protection of civilians in armed conflicts which will pick up the language approved by Heads of Government at the September World Summit on responsibility to protect civilians. A report of the Secretary-General is due 28 November. An Arria formula briefing was hosted by the UK on 22 November 2005.
