First, the protection of civilians in armed conflict must be strengthened in ...

First, the protection of civilians in armed conflict must be strengthened in line with the Fourth Geneva Convention, international humanitarian law, and the principle of respect for State sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity as enshrined in the United Nations Charter. National Governments bear the primary responsibility for protecting their own citizens. In a situation of armed conflict, the international community can assist in the protection of civilians, but such assistance should not substitute for the responsibilities and obligations of the national Government concerned