Some top officials of the UN have urged the international community to step up efforts to protect civilians in armed conflict, and ensure that those responsible for war crimes are prosecuted.
The officials stated this on Monday during a debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict which coincided with World Humanitarian Day.
“Every day, humanitarian workers, protect, feed, shelter, educate, heal and assist millions of people, regardless of whom or where they are.
“It is an outrage that our colleagues and partners should be attacked for providing these essential services,” UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon said.
The debate was held to mark World Humanitarian Day which aims to honour those who have lost their lives in humanitarian services and those who continue to bring assistance and relief to millions in needs worldwide.
This year, the Day falls on the 10th anniversary of the 2003 terrorist bombing of the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, which housed the UN headquarters in Iraq.
The attack killed 22 people, including Special Representative Sergio Vieira de Mello.
“On this tragic anniversary, I call again for greater respect and protection for humanitarian workers and assets everywhere,” Ban said, adding that while there are reminders every day of conflict, violence and terrorism. “We can not become numb to this brutalisation,” he added.
Ban said he was particularly concerned about the use of explosive weapons such as roadside bombs, air strikes and artillery in populated areas, which could kill and maim with profound humanitarian consequences.
He, however, reiterated his call to the Council and Member States to work through the UN General Assembly to recognise and act on the critical issue.
“We need to understand the types of explosive weapons that are most problematic. We need to examine how existing international law can help regulate their use.
“ And we need to consider the concrete steps that can be taken to reduce the humanitarian impact of explosive weapons in populated areas.” he said.
Ban also noted the precarious humanitarian situations in Syria, the Central African Republic (CAR), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Mali, stressing that the international community must increase its relief efforts in these countries.
In her address, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay also called for increased relief efforts, and emphasised the importance of tackling impunity.
“Providing humanitarian access and ensuring accountability for violations of global human rights and humanitarian law are not only moral imperatives, but also legal requirements,” Pillay said.
She added that impunity undermines the fabric of societies and was detrimental to any lasting solution to instability, stating that countries must adopt the necessary measures to address the issue in compliance with global standards.
Pillay noted that her Office was currently supporting commissions of inquiry and fact-finding missions on Syria, DRC, and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).
She also voiced concern over human rights implications for the protection of civilians of armed drone strikes carried out in the context of counter-terrorism in Gaza, Pakistan and Yemen, among other countries.
“The current lack of transparency surrounding their use creates an accountability vacuum and affects the ability of victims to seek redress,’’ she said, while urging all relevant States “to clarify the legal bases for such strikes as well as the safeguards in place to ensure compliance with applicable international law”.
In her remarks to the open debate, delivered via a teleconference from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Valerie Amos highlighted the complex working conditions that humanitarians face every day.
Amos called for increased access so they could increase assistance to those who need it the most.
“I am extremely concerned by the failure to protect civilians in flagrant violation of the most basic rules of international humanitarian law and human rights law.
“We need more capacity and humanitarian access must be granted to people trapped in areas under the control of government forces or opposition groups,” she said. (NAN)
