The principle of protecting civilians in armed conflict is a noble one to w...

The principle of protecting civilians in armed conflict is a noble one to which we all aspire. However, we are concerned by attempts by some countries to utilize that goal to serve particular political aims, such as the ongoing campaign on the so-called responsibility to protect. In that regard, I would like to reiterate that, although referred to in the 2005 Summit Outcome, the responsibility to protect is still the subject of divergent interpretations on the part of Member States. In that connection, we must bear in mind the established principles of the Charter of the United Nations vis-à-vis the sovereignty and legitimacy of Member States and their full responsibility for the protection of their citizens.