“Civilians have suffered the deadly effects of armed conflict for too long,” he emphasized, asserting: “It is time we live up to our promise to protect them.” As a whole, the international community must break the deadly cycle of armed conflict and hunger by addressing underlying causes, strengthening vulnerable countries’ economies, honouring commitments to support nations on the frontlines of the climate crisis and increasing contributions to humanitarian operations. Where war continues, all must comply with international humanitarian law, States must investigate alleged war crimes and prosecute perpetrators and the Council must urge countries to respect the rules of war, he said. Since war is devastating lives around the world, he urged States to intensify their conflict prevention efforts, preserve peace and find political solutions to war. It is the difference between life and death, between restraint and anarchy, between losing ourselves in horror and retaining our humanity,” Secretary-General Guterres stressed, briefing the 15-nation organ on his report on the protection of civilians in armed conflict (document S/2023/345). “We must never lose sight of the meaning and purpose of international humanitarian law. The world is failing to live up to its commitments to protect civilians in armed conflict, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned the Security Council today, urging greater respect for international humanitarian law through action and accountability, as speakers, during a day-long open debate, outlined priority action areas for ensuring civilians’ survival, security and dignity.
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