Philippines
The Philippines is grateful for this opportunity to address the Security ...
The Philippines is grateful for this opportunity to address the Security Council on today's open debate on the agenda item “Protection of civilians in armed conflict”. The Philippines has always considered this issue to be of special importance, taking into account its national and international dimensions. The Philippine Government continues to work seriously to protect civilians in armed conflict not only in its own national territory, but also the overseas Filipino workers who are sometimes caught in fighting in areas of conflict or potential conflict in other parts of the globe. Thus, ensuring their safety is a top priority for the Philippine Government.
The adoption of resolution 1894 (2009) on 11 November last year once again ...
The adoption of resolution 1894 (2009) on 11 November last year once again reinforced the Council's commitment to the protection of civilians by taking concrete steps towards this end by ensuring humanitarian access, providing protection mandates to peacekeeping missions, and recognizing the need for the effective monitoring and reporting of cases. Despite the advances achieved in recent years, however, more challenges remain to be addressed, as pointed out by the United Nations officials concerned who have shared their insights on this issue. The open debate today therefore provides a good opportunity for us to take stock of the progress made on key issues and come up with new approaches to resolve them.
The Philippines has taken those recommendations into account. In fact, we h...
The Philippines has taken those recommendations into account. In fact, we have taken appropriate measures to integrate them in the implementation of our national policies and work plan. I am therefore pleased to inform the Council of the following concrete steps that the Philippines has taken. First, as the Philippine Government continues to engage in peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the New People's Army, it has also taken every measure to ensure that, until lasting peace is achieved, civilians are properly protected and those who commit violence and wrongdoing against them are held accountable.
In recent years, the various reports and recommendations on the protection ...
In recent years, the various reports and recommendations on the protection of civilians caught in armed conflict have given us a good panoramic view of the problems associated with this issue. Among the relevant recommendations are the need to include the protection of civilians in any conflict-resolution strategy, improving humanitarian access, the role of United Nations peacekeeping and other relevant missions in the protection of civilians and the establishment of commissions of inquiry to reinforce accountability.
Secondly, the Philippines has consistently called for a system-wide approac...
Secondly, the Philippines has consistently called for a system-wide approach where the work of United Nations bodies — namely, that of the Security Council, the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council — on this issue is effectively integrated into the work of other entities, specialized agencies and, in applicable cases, non-governmental organizations and civil society.
Thirdly, the Philippines has supported a more proactive approach through co...
Thirdly, the Philippines has supported a more proactive approach through concrete efforts to protect civilians in the face of imminent conflict. This proactive way of protecting people will save more lives and reduce their vulnerability to the grim consequences of conflict. In that regard, the Philippines actively provides protection during armed conflict, especially to women and children, who are the most vulnerable segment of society.
I cannot overemphasize the commitment of the Philippine Government to ensur...
I cannot overemphasize the commitment of the Philippine Government to ensure the protection of civilians caught in armed conflict. We have put in place mechanisms for investigation and prosecution to deal with such cases. In that context, the Philippines enacted a new law in December of last year, namely, Republic Act No. 9851 — the Philippine law on crimes against international humanitarian law, genocide and other crimes against humanity — which mandates the protection of civilians and provides for the criminal and administrative liability of commanders and other superiors under the principle of command responsibility. I would also like to assure Council members that the new Government of President Benigno Aquino III continues to adopt measures and implement good practices on the protection of civilians as a matter of priority.
In conclusion, the Philippines strongly believes that a culture of protecti...
In conclusion, the Philippines strongly believes that a culture of protection of civilians can be truly instilled if there is genuine domestic ownership of a culture of protection. In that regard, the Philippines will continue to work with the United Nations to promote and strengthen this culture of protection, which is actually rooted in the sanctity of human life and respect for the human rights of every person on the planet, especially in conflict areas.