Armenia
With the adoption of resolution 1894 (2009) exactly a year ago, the Council...
With the adoption of resolution 1894 (2009) exactly a year ago, the Council introduced new provisions focusing on humanitarian access in the implementation of protection mandates in peacekeeping operations. Armenia welcomes the fact that the Council also took several important decisions relating to the protection needs of vulnerable groups during armed conflict, and we are grateful to have had the opportunity to contribute to the debates on children and armed conflict, the protection of civilians, and women and peace and security in June, July and October, respectively.
Today's debate offers another opportunity for the Council to evaluate the p...
Today's debate offers another opportunity for the Council to evaluate the progress made on key issues, such as the implementation of resolution 1894 (2009), and to indicate areas where further focus is needed, including the enhancement of compliance with international humanitarian law and the strengthening of accountability for violations thereof. Ensuring such accountability and enhancing compliance with the international legal obligations of parties to conflict should be viewed as key elements of the Council's responsibility to maintain international peace and security. In that context, it is important to improve the use of established sanctions regimes and to implement the binding resolutions that call on all States to adopt national legislation for the prosecution of individuals responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. In the lessons learned process, this debate should also enable the Council more effectively to address the specific concerns related to the protection of civilian populations. The Council has to send a clear message to all parties to armed conflict, reminding them of their obligations and condemning violations of international humanitarian law.
The concept of the protection of civilians is founded on the universally ac...
The concept of the protection of civilians is founded on the universally accepted rules of humanitarian and human rights law, which are set down in a range of international legal instruments. For that reason, we believe that the Council could more effectively seek thorough compliance by all parties with the norms of international humanitarian law. The frequency with which the Security Council addresses this issue signifies the urgency of the matter and the need for the international community to fulfil its commitment to protecting civilians. We therefore share the views expressed by Council members and other speakers calling for more systematic attention to be paid to protection. We strongly believe that increased efforts to fight impunity at the national and international levels are essential. Armenia therefore welcomes the initiative of the United Kingdom to hold this debate, and is committed to working with the Council and other Members on addressing the challenges to the Council's work on the protection of civilians.