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Statement by New York, 23 April 2001 Mr. President, I would like to express my delegation’s congratulations to you on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of April and our appreciation for convening this open debate to renew its consideration of the agenda item before us. While welcoming the Secretary-General’s Report, we realize that during this brief intervention it may not be possible for my delegation to express our views fully concerning its contents. The Report contains cogent analysis and recommendations that deserve further consideration. In these endeavours, it is of paramount importance that the principles of territorial integrity, sovereign equality of all states and the provisions of the Charter as well as other relevant international declarations and resolutions are faithfully and strictly observed. We agree with the Secretary-General’s view regarding the complexities involved in the protection of civilians, especially when the nature of these conflicts become somewhat convoluted and multidimensional. In this regard, careful and comprehensive assessment of any armed conflicts should be conducted before taking any actions. Specifically, the U.N. system can and should be of assistance by complementing the efforts of governments in extending humanitarian aid and post-conflict peace-building such as rehabilitation, reconstruction, resettlement, voluntary return of refugees to their homes, and reconciliation efforts. While the responsibility for the protection of civilians rests with Governments we cannot forget that irregular armed civilians have often intentionally targeted civilians or exploited them as human shields to elicit condemnation against Governments. The Council resolution 1296 (2000) recognizes that civilians account for the vast majority of casualties perpetrated by armed elements. It is therefore incumbent upon the international community to send an unmistakable message of culture of protection to the irregular combatants who are similarly accountable for their unlawful and destructive actions. The states on their part have to overcome these burdensome challenges often under unique circumstances to open channels of communication based on dialogue and cooperation with all segments of society, in particular, with the dissatisfied groups. The Report also makes clear that there are often the so-called part-time combatants who make it almost impossible to be differentiated between those who are genuine civilians and armed criminals in disguise. No society can tolerate such disruptions to law and order. Hence, it is the responsibility of Governments to take necessary measures to maintain security and stability within their respective territories which calls for the full support of the international community. As far as enhancing the protection of civilians in and around the refugee camps is concerned, my delegation takes note of the idea of separating armed civilians with internally displaced persons and the refugees. However, we share the observation made by delegations which spoke this morning that such a separation is not an easy task and it is replete with complexities. We are saddened to learn that humanitarian agencies have often become targets themselves in a conflict situation. My delegation believes that while there is a need for the protection of personnel involved in humanitarian assistance, it is imperative that they should continue to work in a neutral and impartial way. Furthermore, cooperation between national and international NGOs on an equal basis is essential in making the maximum use of such assistance. As regards fact-finding missions, my delegation views that the conduct of such missions should be based on the consent of the countries concerned. External involvement may not necessarily facilitate durable solutions. On the other hand, it might even lead to some unintended complication. For this reason, this recommendation calls for careful study and scrutiny. In developing regional approaches, as recommended in the Report, regular consultations should be held with various regional organizations. Inputs from those organizations have proven valuable and has the potential to be more contextual and viable. We support the Secretary-General’s recommendation on the need for intensified cooperation between the UN and regional organizations and arrangements with a view to ensuring informed decision-making, the integration of resources, and the use of their comparative advantages. The role of media and information in conflict situations has two edges. Firstly. it will provide a better picture of the conflict situations so that deployment of peace operations or humanitarian assistance can be viably designed, as it also would contribute to the promotion of inter-communal unity and prepare the way for national reconciliation. Secondly. information can also become misleading, exacerbate situations, and dangerous, especially when its contents are partial, incomplete and leaning on one side. While acknowledging the positive role of the media, efforts should be made to provide for comprehensive and balanced information rather than those based on partial and hearsay sources. Finally, it is important to emphasize the integration of the Security Councils efforts for the protection of civilians in armed conflicts with those of other relevant agencies or bodies of the UN. Such a strengthening of cooperation will undoubtedly facilitate the development of a more effective and better coordinated action for the protection of civilians in armed conflicts. I thank you, Mr. President.
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