Statement delivered by Her Excellency, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, at the United Nations Security Council briefing on the Protection of Civilians in armed conflict
Mr. President,
Thank you for convening this meeting. I also wish to thank Director Lisa Doughten, USG Mr. Gilles Michaud, and Dr. Abby Stoddard of Humanitarian Outcomes for their comprehensive briefings. I also express Guyana’s immense gratitude to you, and through you your teams, for the dedication and service you continue to render in these challenging times.
Guyana also welcomes the Secretary-General’s recommendations, on measures to prevent and respond to attacks against humanitarian and UN personnel, and their premises and assets.
Mr. President,
This meeting is being held against the background of an increase in global conflicts, which has significantly impacted the core of humanitarian efforts.
The adoption of Resolution 2730, six months ago, demonstrated an acknowledgment of this fact and the indispensable role of humanitarian personnel. It also represents our collective commitment and responsibility to safeguarding their safety and security as they risk their lives each day to provide humanitarian aid and support to those in need.
Guyana remains deeply concerned at the increase in the frequency and severity of attacks against humanitarian workers and UN personnel, including national and locally recruited staff, and their premises and assets. Even as they dedicate their lives to alleviating human suffering, they risk becoming targets of attacks, placing them at greater risk of bodily harm and even death.
Mr. President,
A grim record has been set. This year has been the “deadliest on record” for humanitarian workers, with a total of 281 of them killed globally. The UN has also informed, and Ms. Daughton reminded that since October last year, a total of 333 aid workers were killed in Gaza alone, the majority of them staff members of UNRWA.
Another horrific record, as this represents the highest number ever of aid workers killed in a single conflict. Gaza is the epicenter for the killing of humanitarian workers. Not only are they killed, but they are also targeted.
Mr. President, dear colleagues,
When those among us who demonstrate the best of humanity exerting immense courage to help others that are most in need, are wantonly killed in unprecedented numbers, and when such killings are perpetrated by States, as Ms. Stoddard reminded, we must question where humanity is heading. We must resolve to do more to stop this spiral into the abyss of cruelty and inhumanity and disregard for International Law.
I take this opportunity to pay tribute to those humanitarian personnel who have lost their lives in service, and to express condolences to their colleagues and to their loved ones and I also wish to pay tribute to those who continue to work under extremely challenging circumstances.
Mr. President,
In addition to the killings, there are reported cases of increased attacks against humanitarian workers, including harassment, violence, kidnappings, and arbitrary detention in conflict areas such as Afghanistan, South Sudan, Sudan, DRC, Ukraine and Yemen, among other countries.
The consequences of these incidents go beyond the loss of individual lives. Humanitarian personnel are severely hindered in their delivery of essential aid to populations on the verge of disaster. Addressing this requires a multifaceted, coordinated and robust international response.
Mr. President,
Given the alarming figures highlighted in our meeting today, it is clear that the world is facing an erosion of respect for international law, particularly International Humanitarian Law, which is fostering a culture of impunity and aggravating the risks faced by humanitarian personnel.
This year marked the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions and 25 years since the protection of civilians was first recognized by the Security Council as integral to the maintenance of international peace and security. We must recommit to the principles and obligations espoused in the Geneva Conventions and take the measures necessary to ensure accountability for violations. This imperative involves taking tangible actions to reinforce the unacceptability of targeting aid workers including, inter alia, by initiating transparent investigations and prosecutions of those responsible for causing undue harm to humanitarian personnel.
We must also continue to work collaboratively to support initiatives that promote the safety and security of humanitarian personnel, create safer environments for humanitarian operations and scale up early warning systems which would benefit the personnel as well as the affected populations.
In conclusion, Mr. President, Guyana reaffirms its commitment to the protection of humanitarian workers and UN and associated personnel.
As USG has rightly said, “no person, and no UN colleague, should have their life upended by conflict and we cannot take their resilience for granted”.
Resolution 2730 and the recommendations provided by the Secretary-General are key aspects of the roadmap to ensure that those on the frontlines of humanitarian crises are protected from harm. Let us resolve to root our collective actions in truth, accountability, and adherence to the UN Charter and to international law, including International Humanitarian Law.
Thank you.
