Vietnam Calls for Enhanced Efforts to Protect Civilians in Conflicts

New York, The Gulf Observer: Vietnam has called on all parties involved in conflicts to strictly comply with international law and international humanitarian law, particularly the four 1949 Geneva Conventions and relevant UN resolutions, to better protect civilians in conflict zones. This appeal was made by Minister Counsellor Nguyễn Hoàng Nguyên, Deputy Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, during the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)’s open debate held on May 21-22. The debate marked the 25th anniversary of Resolution 1265 (1999), which first recognized the protection of civilians as a crucial issue for international peace and security, and the 75th anniversary of the 1949 Geneva Conventions.

Highlighting the severe toll of the conflict in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of over 150 civilians daily on average over the past seven months, Minister Counsellor Nguyễn stressed the need for the international community and the UNSC to implement more effective measures to safeguard civilians and civil infrastructure.

He emphasized that addressing the root causes of conflicts and fostering conditions for dialogue and reconciliation are paramount for sustainable peace. He also underscored Vietnam’s commitment to civilian protection, noting the inclusion of crimes such as undermining peace, waging wars of aggression, crimes against humanity, and war crimes in its Penal Code.

During its tenure as a non-permanent member of the UNSC from 2020 to 2021, Vietnam played a pivotal role in drafting and promoting the adoption of Resolution 2573, which focuses on protecting essential civil infrastructure in conflicts. Vietnam also chaired several meetings aimed at addressing the consequences of land mines, preventing sexual violence, and caring for children in conflict zones.

The UNSC debate attracted representatives from over 90 member states, UN observers, and various international organizations. Most participants expressed deep concern over the rise in armed conflicts over the past year, leading to severe consequences for civilians. The latest report from the UN Secretary-General indicated that more than 33,000 civilians died in conflicts in 2023, marking a 72 percent increase from 2022. The report highlighted alarming violations of international humanitarian law and the challenges in accessing humanitarian assistance in conflict areas.

Vietnam’s active participation in UN peacekeeping operations has also significantly contributed to the protection of civilians affected by conflicts on the ground.

Resolution 1265, adopted on September 17, 1999, was the first to acknowledge the protection of civilians in conflict as a critical issue for international peace and security, establishing it as an annual item on the UNSC agenda. The four Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their three Additional Protocols form the cornerstone of international humanitarian law, aimed at protecting victims of armed conflict.