Statement by
His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Siad Doualeh
Ambassador, Permanent Representative
of Djibouti to the United Nations
Before the United Nations Security Council on
“Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict: twenty-fifth anniversary of
Security Council resolution 1265 (1999)”
Wednesday, 22 May 2024
Mr. President,
At the outset, Djibouti expresses its gratitude to Mozambique for convening this annual open debate of the Security Council on a matter of vital importance and thanks the Secretary General for the annual report on the protection of civilians in armed conflict.
The report gives an opportunity to assess the state of protection of civilians in the world and the findings continue to underscore two major facts. There are too many conflicts in the world- some protracted with a duration of more than 30 years and the shocking toll of armed conflicts on civilians in many conflict zones in the world. Over the course of 25 years since the adoption of Security Council resolution 1265 in 1999, we have collectively invested in enhancing the Protection agenda, strengthening its architecture, establishing monitoring and accountability mechanisms and through substantive policy discussions, we continuously developed a shared understanding of what protection mandates entail for UN Peace operations.
We welcome the fact that the protection of civilians agenda is prioritized in resolution 2719 in the planning as well as the Concept of Operations and rules of engagement of African Union-led Peace support Operations. Djibouti as one of the highest per capita contributors of uniformed personnel to UN peacekeeping support mandates anchored on protecting international humanitarian law when mitigating armed conflicts. African peacekeepers are increasingly faced with situations where they have to confront radicalized violent groups and non- state actors with hostile intentions and who deliberately target non-combatants. In light of the changing nature of conflicts in particular on the continent of Africa, we underscore the importance of ensuring adequate resources, including force multipliers and enablers as well as modern mechanical and technological instruments.
Notwithstanding this progress, Djibouti is deeply disturbed by the continued erosion of compliance with international humanitarian law and international human rights. In too many places, civilians in conflicts are vulnerable to the consequences of war. Instead of endeavoring to limit the barbarity of war, we note deliberate targeting and killing of civilians, destruction of civilian infrastructure including hospitals and schools. The integrity of UN facilities and premises must be protected at all times under International humanitarian law. Civilians must be protected in Sudan, Ukraine and most terribly in Gaza just to mention a few. Israel which seems to have decreed Palestinians unfit to live is committing widescale genocide in Gaza and continues to unashamedly rationalize the killing of civilians and the use of starvation as a method of warfare. The assault on Rafah will further compound a catastrophic humanitarian situation.
Mr. President,
These extremely negative developments threaten 25 years of progress. As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Convention of 1949, let us recommit with renewed urgency to the implementation of international law and United Nations Security Council resolutions for the protection of civilians in armed conflicts and promote accountability. Djibouti, as a signatory of the Political Declaration on Suspension of Veto Powers in Cases of Mass Atrocities, calls on all states to consider lending their most valuable support to that crucial initiative launched by France and Mexico.
Thank you for your attention!