The United Nations Security Council is poised to vote on a resolution targeting the protection of humanitarian workers and UN personnel, scheduled for Friday. Sponsored by Switzerland, the resolution condemns attacks on such personnel and demands combatants uphold their protection according to international law.
Expressing grave concern over the rising instances of attacks and threats against UN and humanitarian personnel, the resolution aims to address continued violations of international humanitarian law by combatants. Switzerland's UN Ambassador Pascale Baeriswyl underscored the resolution's core objective: safeguarding the lives of those dedicated to aiding individuals affected by armed conflicts.
While the resolution refrains from singling out specific conflicts, it comes amidst ongoing battles in regions like Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and Myanmar. Notably, the protracted conflict in Gaza has witnessed a significant number of attacks on UN and humanitarian workers, with over 190 UN staff casualties, an unprecedented toll in the organization's nearly eight-decade history.
The proposed resolution emphasizes adherence to international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions, urging all nations to respect and protect humanitarian and UN personnel. It also condemns attacks, including sexual and gender-based violence, against humanitarian workers and UN staff, while urging combatants to observe principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution in their conduct of hostilities.
Additionally, the resolution advocates for full, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access to civilians in need and calls for action against disinformation and incitement to violence targeting humanitarian and UN personnel. If passed, the resolution signifies the Security Council's commitment to enhancing the safety and security of humanitarian workers, with provisions for accountability and recommendations for further measures to prevent attacks.
Expressing grave concern over the rising instances of attacks and threats against UN and humanitarian personnel, the resolution aims to address continued violations of international humanitarian law by combatants. Switzerland's UN Ambassador Pascale Baeriswyl underscored the resolution's core objective: safeguarding the lives of those dedicated to aiding individuals affected by armed conflicts.
While the resolution refrains from singling out specific conflicts, it comes amidst ongoing battles in regions like Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and Myanmar. Notably, the protracted conflict in Gaza has witnessed a significant number of attacks on UN and humanitarian workers, with over 190 UN staff casualties, an unprecedented toll in the organization's nearly eight-decade history.
The proposed resolution emphasizes adherence to international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions, urging all nations to respect and protect humanitarian and UN personnel. It also condemns attacks, including sexual and gender-based violence, against humanitarian workers and UN staff, while urging combatants to observe principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution in their conduct of hostilities.
Additionally, the resolution advocates for full, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access to civilians in need and calls for action against disinformation and incitement to violence targeting humanitarian and UN personnel. If passed, the resolution signifies the Security Council's commitment to enhancing the safety and security of humanitarian workers, with provisions for accountability and recommendations for further measures to prevent attacks.
