Statement by H.E. DR. R.M. Marty M. Natalegawa at the UN Security Council Open Debate on the Agenda Item: " Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict"
Mr. President, I should like to preface our statement by expressing appreciation to the Under Secretary for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mr. John Holmes for his statement and for your delegation in organizing this meeting. Every day, news of civilians falling victim to armed conflicts feed the discussion in the Council. In many instances, the intensity of violence is shocking. However, the most tragic situation is when we are immune to the suffering of civilians; when we fail to cope with it; or when we consciously decide to ignore it. This Council has an imperative to stand for those who are defenseless and in need of protection in times of war. Today’s session will serve to further address the issues surrounding the protection of civilians in a comprehensive and resolute manner. The specific needs and protection of women and children need to be particularly highlighted. It is our shared responsibility to alleviate the
suffering of victims wherever and whenever they occur. The safety and security of civilians have to be prioritized when security matters are addressed through military measures or military operations. Parties engaged in armed conflict situations have to respect the letter and spirit of international humanitarian law. These universal instruments are one of the foundations of the international system. However, this alone is insufficient. A comprehensive perspective on this issue entails that issues of gender and cultural diversity are also relevant; and an approach that is sensitive to the needs of local populations. All peace keeping operations and military operations have to be exceptionally mindful of local beliefs, traditions, and values. Lack of respect can trigger violence and serious repercussions that can undo peace process or operations. Mr. President, Ending the cycle of violence on the ground is key to the full achievement of any peace process. This can be attained only when all parties concerned on the ground exercise restraint and refrain from any actions that could undermine those efforts. Thus, we are particularly concerned over the continued civilian casualties among Palestinians, including children and women, caused by the indiscriminate and excessive use of force by the Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip. This must immediately end. Mr. President, We wish not to fail to stress the importance of the total ban on cluster munitions and landmines. The impact of these indiscriminate weapons is not only gruesome and tangible to victims, but goes beyond their immediate impact to damaging the environment and the economy of a region. We can witness in many parts of the Middle East and other regions where the widespread use of cluster munitions has rendered arable land into a wasteland. Civilians, including farmers and school children, in over sixty countries remained under the threat of those inhumane weapons. The affected countries bear a costly burden and their citizens have to deal with potential death or injury every time they take a step. Indonesia, therefore, underlines the paramount importance of a total ban of these heinous types of munitions. With regard to anti-personnel landmines, we welcome mine action activities by the UN, in collaboration with governments and other international organizations. We underline the importance of de-mining, victim assistance, mine-risk education, and destruction of stockpiled landmines as part of mine action. We urge countries which hold information about the sites of the mines and other munitions they deployed during the war to share the information, especially with the UN, as a basis for further action. Mr. President, With the growing complexity and intricacy of world matters, the United Nations would not be surely in position to tackle all of the issue of protection of civilians. Regional organizations have an important role to play in the protection of civilians. It is important to remember that the best preventive medicine for war is a fruitful negotiation and dialogue, which is often achieved by inviting the participation of regionally relevant players. Mr. President, In addition, we are witnessing the increasing role of non-state actors in addressing the plight of civilians in armed conflict situations. We have on many occasions noted with appreciation the role of NGOs and other civil society organizations. In this regard, we view that private aid is also a critical component of a solution to armed conflict and an attenuation of the suffering of civilians. This can originate from private organizations or philanthropic organizations that have gathered funds available to those in need. They also have in many cases the necessary expertise in various fields. This, I believe, would further strengthen our global efforts. Moreover, humanitarian assistance is essential to addressing the plight of civilians in armed conflict. It is therefore very deplorable that irresponsible acts taken against relief workers, humanitarian aid convoys and others engaging in humanitarian assistance to the population from the effects of war continue to happen. The deliberate targeting of these individuals is a crime and we should invoke relevant international laws, including the 1994 Convention on the Safety of the UN and Associated Personnel and Optional Protocol for this purpose. Finally, Mr. President, let me reiterate that our efforts should be focused to maintain the momentum by strengthening the UN system with Member-States and other stakeholders to work as a whole in a coordinated, coherent, comprehensive, and cooperative manner. An approach that includes development and humanitarian dimensions is required, supported by the political will of states to ensure that civilians are protected in times of war and in times of peace. Thank you.
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