China has urged the international community to respond with greater urgency and implement stronger actions to safeguard civilians caught in armed conflicts, said a Chinese envoy on Thursday.
During a high-level open debate at the UN Security Council on civilian protection in conflict zones, Sun Lei, China’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, emphasized that each civilian casualty represents a life disrupted by war, and families devastated by separation and loss. He called for an end to conflicts, strict compliance with international humanitarian law, stronger governance in conflict-affected states, and expanded global humanitarian support.
Sun noted that as long as conflicts continue, civilian safety cannot be truly ensured.
He reiterated that the UN Security Council holds the chief responsibility for maintaining global peace and should focus on conflict resolution to shield civilians from the horrors of war.
Highlighting the significance of international humanitarian law, Sun stressed that civilians and their infrastructure must never be targeted in warfare. He called for the protection of UN staff and aid workers, rejection of politicized aid, and prevention of using essentials like food and medicine as weapons. He warned that breaches of humanitarian law and the use of double standards weaken international legal norms and encourage more violations.
Sun emphasized that national governments are chiefly responsible for protecting civilians and urged the global community to assist them in improving their capabilities to do so.
He identified poverty and underdevelopment as root causes of conflict and barriers to peace. He urged increased global support for development efforts in affected countries to help them break the cycle of poverty and reduce the risk of conflict.
Sun affirmed China’s strong commitment to civilian protection, its push for political solutions to global hotspots, and active role in UN peacekeeping missions.
He added that China supports developing countries in improving governance under South-South cooperation and remains committed to collaborating with the international community to prevent conflicts and promote lasting peace.
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