Kuwait urges coordinating efforts in compliance with int’l humanitarian law
‘The world witnesses flagrant disregard for implementation of humanitarian agreements’
NEW YORK: Kuwait has urged all parties to abide by and respect their obligations under international humanitarian law (IHL). This came in a speech by Kuwait’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Mansour Al-Otaibi at a UN Security Council (UNSC) meeting held on Tuesday evening about encouraging and strengthening IHL. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the 1949 Geneva Conventions, which resulted in the aftermath of the most devastating war in humanity, the Second World War (WW2), when the UN was founded as a result of its effects and losses and to prevent another devastating war, he said. The scale of violence and suffering witnessed in different conflict zones around the world over the past decades is no less than the amount of violence and suffering that the world witnessed in WW2 74 years ago, he added.
Strengthening the rule of law, especially IHL, is highly vital, Otaibi pointed out, noting that the four Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols provide the legal framework for the protection of human beings during wars and armed conflicts. The world is still witnessing neglect and flagrant disregard for the implementation of the provisions of these agreements in recent times, he warned.
Otaibi reviewed examples of disregard, such as what is happening in the occupied Palestinian territories, Syria and the Rohingya minority in Myanmar. The fundamental answer is by strengthening the rule of law and respecting humanitarian principles during armed conflict, but the question is how can it be achieved. UNSC has a vital and pivotal role in ensuring compliance with IHL and strengthening the rule of law by ensuring the full implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions, particularly in the context of the protection of civilians and compliance by parties to the conflict and international organizations operating in the field, he noted.
Otaibi underlined the responsibility of the UN Peacekeeping forces to protect civilians within their mandate, providing security for the camps of the displaced, medical evacuation of the wounded and strengthening the capabilities of the national police to carry out responsibilities. He also stressed ensuring accountability for war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity, guaranteeing that those responsible for targeting civilians
Sanctions can play an important role
will be held accountable.
Otaibi said sanctions could play an important role in ensuring that those responsible for violations of IHL and international human rights law are held accountable if used in an effective manner. He said member states should apply the existing international laws more fully through specific practical and operational measures, while no one can deny different national priorities and policies. It is often difficult to coordinate all positions uniformly but this should not in any way affect obligations and responsibilities under international law, especially in the humanitarian field, the provision of humanitarian assistance and allowing unhindered access to the needy, he said. He renewed the call not to use the veto to block international humanitarian convoys from reaching the needy, pointing out the possibility of redoubling efforts at the bilateral level, especially through the exchange of experiences and best practices between countries.