For many years, we remain steadfast in advocating the protection of human rights and humanitarian access for civilians in conflict and post-conflict situationsJakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi has reiterated that the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) should ensure continued compliance to the protection of civilians in armed conflicts.
The minister made the statement while chairing the UNSC open session on the protection of civilians in armed conflicts at the UN Headquarters in New York, the United States, on Thursday.
The protection of civilians in armed conflicts is an essential element of the Indonesian government's constitutional mandate and foreign policy and is in accordance with Indonesia's chosen theme of "investment in peace" in its capacity as UNSC president for May 2019, Marsudi emphasized.
"We have, since several years, remained steadfast in advocating the protection of human rights and humanitarian access for civilians in conflict and post-conflict situations," the minister noted in a written statement received by Antara on Friday.
However, the efforts to prioritize the safety and security of civilians encounter several challenges, he stated.
According to the UN secretary general's report, the stance on protection of civilians has remained unchanged as it was two decades ago when the UNSC Resolution on civilian protection in armed conflict was endorsed.
Hence, the minister has reminded the UN of collective mandate and responsibilities to ensure the protection of civilians and prioritize their safety and security.
"For several years now, the world has reached a better understanding on the multidimensional characteristics of the agenda, ranging from curbing physical threats to ascertaining the shipment of humanitarian aid. Close
Translator: Yashinta Difa Pramudyani, Suha
Editor: Bambang Purwanto
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