Today, civilians account for the vast majority of victims in armed conflicts, including a large number of women and children. France recognizes the serious humanitarian concerns related to the excessive and indiscriminate use of explosive weapons in areas where civilians are present in large numbers. This usage is likely to cause civilian casualties and the destruction of essential infrastructure, hindering the sustainable return of displaced populations and the restoration of normal living conditions. France believes it is essential to promote the protection of civilians in all United Nations activities.
In its first resolution 1265 (1999) on this issue, the Security Council affirmed that certain situations characterized by serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights (especially targeted attacks against civilians) could constitute a threat to international peace and security.
Even though the protection of civilians is primarily the responsibility of states, all parties must ensure the protection of civilians and health personnel, and respect the obligations arising from international humanitarian law and international human rights law.
Civilian protection is considered from multiple angles:
[Context: Access to Humanitarian Assistance]
France attaches great importance to respecting international humanitarian law, which is essential to ensure access to populations in distress. Humanitarian aid must be able to be delivered in a safe and unhindered manner.
In this spirit, France is actively involved in United Nations negotiations to guarantee unimpeded humanitarian access and protect humanitarian and medical personnel.
[Fact Check: The Resolution]
In 1988, at France’s initiative, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution proclaiming the principle of free access to victims of natural disasters and other emergency situations for intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations.
[Fact Check: Protection of Humanitarian Personnel]
France and Germany have made the protection of humanitarian and medical personnel, as well as the enhancement of respect for international humanitarian law, a priority during their presidencies of the Security Council in March and April 2019.
[Context: Peacekeeping Operations]
Civilian protection is at the core of peacekeeping mandates.
Resolution 1674, adopted in 2006, sets out the general normative framework for the Security Council’s action on the protection of civilians in armed conflicts. This resolution includes provisions in peacekeeping mission mandates to protect civilians from imminent threats to their physical integrity, prevent sexual violence, facilitate humanitarian assistance, ensure security in refugee camps, and create conditions conducive to voluntary and secure repatriation.
[Context: Specific Civilian Groups]
While millions of civilians are victims of conflict, particularly vulnerable populations like women and children have become preferred targets. Sexual violence is used in many conflicts as a weapon of war against civilians, with women and girls being disproportionately affected.
The Security Council has adopted several key resolutions in this regard, including: – Resolution 1612 (2005) on children and armed conflicts, reaffirmed by Resolution 2427 (2018). – Resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace, and security, reaffirmed by Resolution 2493 (2019). – Resolution 1820 (2008) on sexual violence in armed conflicts, reaffirmed by Resolution 2467 (2019). – Resolution 1738 in 2006 on the protection of journalists and media professionals in armed conflict. – Resolution 2475 (2019) on the disproportionate impact of armed conflicts and resulting humanitarian crises on persons with disabilities.
