We welcome the increased understanding of the primacy of the protection of ci...

We welcome the increased understanding of the primacy of the protection of civilians in situations of armed conflict and the ever-growing attention to this issue within the United Nations. Ukraine commends the work of the Secretary-General and his Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, as well as that of Member States, particularly concerning the implementation of resolutions relating to women and peace and security. My delegation fully supports a comprehensive approach to addressing the issue of the protection of civilians. This will entail, in particular, taking further action to address core challenges, namely, to strengthen compliance with international humanitarian law and international human rights law, including by non-State armed groups; to improve the mechanisms for the protection of civilians through United Nations peace operations; and to improve humanitarian access and strengthen accountability for violations.