UN Security Council Open Debate on “Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict”
New York, 21 May 2024
Mr. President,
My delegation aligns with the EU statement and wishes to make some additional remarks.
Seventy-five years since the universal ratification of the Geneva Conventions and twenty-five years since the first Security Council debate on the protection of civilians, we are still witnessing outrageous violations of international humanitarian law on a daily basis. A recommitment to respect international law, including the UN Charter, and strengthening compliance with international humanitarian and human rights law is urgently needed.
In addition to upholding the prohibition of the use of force and ensuring a ceasefire, the Council must use all other tools at its disposal for the protection of civilians. In this regard, my delegation would like to raise the following:
- Humanitarian conditions in Gaza continue to worsen. Given its geographical proximity and in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2720, Cyprus in coordination with humanitarian partners and other countries, initiated the establishment of the Cyprus Maritime Corridor (CMC) Initiative (Amalthea Initiative) which outlines a mechanism for securely deliver significant quantities of assistance from Cyprus to Gaza via sea. The maritime corridor is part of a sustained effort to increase the flow of much needed humanitarian aid into Gaza through all possible routes.
- The number of forcibly displaced persons around the world continues to grow, with a record-breaking of 110 million in 2023. Situations of prolonged displacement are of great concern, and we firmly believe that the Council can take more robust action to ensure the right of return as early as possible, the respect of property rights of those displaced and the prohibition of settling other population in areas of forced displacement. Cypriots experienced all the above as a result of foreign aggression, and therefore have a first-hand knowledge and understanding of the profound disruption of these phenomena on civilian lives.
- The issue of missing people and its humanitarian nature should not be overlooked. The number of individuals who are missing due to conflict is remarkably high. Families have a right to know the fate of their loved ones. The anguish experienced by the family members is profound and their suffering intensifies with time. Enhanced international cooperation frameworks are needed. We urge the Council to build upon resolution 2474 of 2019 and to incorporate stronger provisions in its resolutions, especially in cases where the fate and whereabouts of missing persons remain unknown for decades, like in the case of Cyprus.
- Before closing, allow me to refer to the inseparable connection between peacekeeping and the protection of civilians. Sixty years ago, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 186, which authorised the establishment of the Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus. As we commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the creation of UNFICYP, we pay tribute to those that have lost their lives while serving in Cyprus and through them, to the troop contributing countries. We are grateful to the United Nations for 60 years of service in the name of peace in Cyprus. Its presence is required until a lasting settlement is reached, ending foreign occupation and reuniting the island and its people.
I thank you.