To track progress in implementation, the development of indicators for systematic monitoring and reporting on the protection of civilians in armed conflict by the Emergency Relief Coordinator would be helpful. When included in protection benchmarks, such indicators could help us to assess the effectiveness of peacekeeping missions and identify remaining gaps and challenges.

The effective delivery of humanitarian assistance is intrinsically linked to timely access to populations in need, as well as to the safety and security of those who provide assistance. The safety of humanitarian workers remains precarious.

Since the Security Council first took up the issue of protection of civilians, the changing nature of armed conflict has continued to have a profound impact on the situation of civilians in armed conflict. The Council took an important step forward through the adoption of resolution 1894 (2009), with its focus on humanitarian access and protection mandates as well as monitoring and reporting.

Among the core principles of international humanitarian law are the distinction between combatants and non-combatants, proportionality of the use of force, and the imperative to take all feasible measures to minimize civilian casualties. Violations of these rules, such as the use of weapons of indiscriminate effect in densely populated areas and the denial of humanitarian access, warrant a clear response from the Security Council.

One of today's speakers claimed to care for Lebanese civilians. What is worse, that party continues not only to occupy Arab land but also to exercise aggression against its neighbours.

In his recent report (S/2010/579) on the subject of our debate today, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon suggests that the Security Council has long recognized that the maintenance of peace and security will not be achieved or sustained without due attention being paid to redressing grievances, ending impunity and protecting the human rights of civilians.

If successful compliance with protection standards requires an integrated and comprehensive protection strategy in collaboration with the main humanitarian actors, it remains that the primary responsibility for civilian protection rests with the concerned Government itself. Furthermore, occupying Powers have the clear obligation under international law to protect the population under foreign occupation.

During and subsequent to that war, Lebanon suffered greatly from cluster munitions, which are indiscriminate in nature and have a devastating effect on civilians at the time they are used and long after the fighting has come to an end. Today, I am honoured to inform the Council that, earlier this month, my Government submitted its ratification instruments on the Convention on Cluster Munitions.

A mission that protects civilians under imminent threat but makes no progress in helping to address the underlying causes of the conflict will not lead to sustainable peace or to the durable and effective protection of civilian populations. The United Nations is invited to assist countries in advancing the peace process and peaceful coexistence through inclusive dialogue, reconciliation and reintegration.

Turning to the consistent approach, Japan welcomes the recent development of the operational concept by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the Department of Field Support aimed at promoting consistency. Cooperation between the military and civilians should be strengthened to further ensure humanitarian access. It is also a priority to protect humanitarian aid workers in order to prevent them from becoming the target of attacks.