Open VTC of the Security Council

“Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict”

27 May 2020

Ambassador CHO Hyun,

Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea

New York

Mr. President,

My delegation commends you for convening today’s timely open VTC of the Security Council on “Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict.” The Republic of Korea offers its deep appreciation to H.E. Ms. Kersti Kaljulaid, President of Estonia, for her participation today. My delegation also thanks H.E. Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Peter Maurer, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, and H.E. Ms. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, member of the Elders, for their enlightening briefings.

Mr. President,

Since the inclusion of protection of civilians as a Security Council agenda item in 1999, we have witnessed steady progress on this very important issue over the last twenty plus years. However, the reality on the ground is still far from ideal. We are witnessing the horrific sufferings of innocent people in many parts of the world. Scores of civilians are being killed, maimed, famished, and displaced on a daily basis. Hospitals and schools are being targeted. Economic and social infrastructure is being ravaged. Such tragic events have lingering impacts beyond the current generation, thereby hampering the normal trajectory of societal progress. Furthermore, as the report of the Secretary-General this month rightly points out, the COVID-19 pandemic could exacerbate untold suffering for the most vulnerable populations already in difficult situations. 

Mr. President,

Under this troubling backdrop, my delegation would like to emphasize the following five points with a view towards enhancing the protection of civilians in armed conflict.

First, the Republic of Korea urges all parties to conflict to support the Secretary-General’s timely appeal for an immediate global ceasefire to collectively tackle the COVID-19 crisis. The entire global population is now facing a common threat and we must work together to minimize the pandemic’s impact on all. In this regard, [(option 1) my delegation greatly hopes that this Council can unite to come up with substantive measures to support the Secretary-General’s urgent appeal for an immediate global ceasefire.] [(option 2) my delegation warmly welcomes the (unanimous) adoption of resolution 25XX for the benefit of humanity at such a critical juncture.]

Second, in protecting civilians in armed conflict we must pay elevated attention to the disproportionate impact that conflict has on vulnerable groups. Sadly, in so many conflicts around the world, we time and time again witness rampant sexual and gender-based violence, systemic marginalization of ethnic and religious minorities, and other targeting of deplorable hatred. The Council has been steadily expanding protection of such groups, including women, children, people with disabilities, and others through a series of resolutions. We should continue to work harder to strengthen the requisite protection.

Third, in order to achieve sustainable peace and security, more must be done to address the root causes of conflict through the comprehensive approach of the peace-development-human rights nexus. While governments bear the primary responsibility of protecting their own citizens, greater support of the international community to ensure safety and human rights of those affected by conflict should go hand in hand. Prevention and sustaining peace were at the heart of Republic of Korea’s efforts as Chair and Vice Chair of the PBC in 2017 and 2018, and we are consistently increasing our financial contributions to the PBF, DPPA, and UNDP to realize this vision.

Fourth, my delegation urges all parties to respect and fully comply with the guiding rules and principles of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. In this connection, it is important that we all strive to reduce the continued and troubling gap between the existing normative framework that we have accomplished on one hand, and the stark reality of under-compliance and, in some cases, impunity on the ground on the other. The international criminal tribunals have been playing a critical role in reducing this gap by ensuring that there is no safe haven for perpetrators of major crimes under international law. The precedents of accountability must be accumulated in order to secure viable and critical pathways to truth and justice for appalling crimes against civilians in armed conflict, thereby stamping out impunity.

Fifth, we would like to highlight the importance of incorporating the latest technological developments into the UN’s work, including peace operations, to protect civilians in armed conflict, as we look forward to host the 2021 Peacekeeping Ministerial meeting. In this regard, PKOs should be equipped with the best available resources and equipment to facilitate effective implementation of their respective mandates, including the protection of civilians. For example, new technologies in data collection, digital early warning, and information and communications can be leveraged to help protect civilians, expedite humanitarian assistance, and secure accountability. Bearing in mind the double-edged characteristics of technology, we must maximize the many positive aspects of new technology while minimizing its negative impacts.

Mr. President,

The Republic of Korea would like to reaffirm its driving commitment working with the UN, as well as all Member States, with a view towards better protecting civilians in armed conflict today, tomorrow, and beyond. 

Thank you. /END/