Ahead of the annual Security Council Open Debate on Protection of Civilians on 22 May, the Ceasefire Centre for Civilian Rights and 20 other NGOs have released a joint statement calling on the international community to take urgent action to protect civilians and uphold their rights.
Today marks the start of Protection of Civilians Week, an international initiative which brings together Member States, UN agencies, NGOs, and affected communities with the shared aim of advancing the protection of civilians in armed conflict. With civilian populations increasingly under attack, it is more important than ever to use the political and practical tools available to enhance civilian protection, promote compliance with international humanitarian law, and strengthen accountability.
We urge the UN Security Council and UN Member States to honour and reaffirm their commitments to protect – and ensure the protection of – civilians, and to ensure robust implementation of protection mandates.
Read the full statement here.
Photo: UN Photo/Loey Felipe
