Mr. President,
As a nation that champions the primacy of international law, the Philippines continues to adhere to the protection of civilians in armed conflict.
As we mark this year the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1265 (1999), the Philippines joins others in promoting the full implementation of the resolution, calling for respect for international humanitarian, refugee and human rights law to protect civilians in armed conflict.
Even in times of conflict, international human rights law remains applicable, providing further protections for civilians.
In this regard, we urge all parties to a conflict, including non-state armed groups, to comply with resolution 1265. The recognition and respect for human dignity, human rights, and human welfare are paramount for this purpose.
POC in Philippine Laws
As our contribution, protection of civilians in situations of armed conflict has been embedded in Philippine laws, including the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide and Other Crimes Against Humanity (RA 9851) and the Special Protection of Children in Situations of Armed Conflict Law (RA 11188).
We also support the view that respect for International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law is crucial to prevent hunger and further suffering in conflict situations, and to protect the civilian population and civilian objects in general.
We also agree that International Humanitarian Law provides the legal framework to strategically mitigate the impacts of armed conflict, and is applicable to the use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas (EWIPA).
We also reiterate our support for the Convention on Cluster Munitions, as the prohibition of cluster munitions protects civilians and civilian infrastructure, especially in urban conflict areas.
POC and Peacekeeping
The protection of civilians must be at the core of peacekeeping mandates. The three-tiered approach to protection is key in this regard, as outlined in the Policy on the Protection of Civilians in UN Peacekeeping: protection through dialogue and engagement, provision of physical protection, and establishment of a protective environment.
Indeed, UN peacekeeping operations have explicit mandates to protect civilians, as authorized by the Security Council. These mandates include measures such as establishing safe zones, disarmament, and facilitating humanitarian aid.
The Philippines believes that success in peacekeeping operations must be measured by how well we protect civilians and how effective we ensure the sustainment of the environments for peace to flourish.
Therefore, expectations regarding protection tasks must be succinct and clear, connected to political strategies in the field, and focused on prevention.
Next year, we hope to further enhance our active participation in the protection of civilians affected by armed conflicts with the projected increase of Filipino peacekeepers on the ground, including highly-trained women peacekeepers.
Mr. President,
Protection of civilians in situations of armed conflict will always be a priority for the Philippines. Given the chance, we hope to bring and share our experience on this matter to the Security Council in 2027-2028.
Finally, today’s open debate and the week-long Protection of Civilian side events are important avenues to discuss key issues and trends, share best practices, and reflect on required policy and normative changes to ensure civilians are protected in times of conflict.
We are pleased to co-sponsor two side events this week. The first one is on “Civilian-centered approaches to POC: What works, why, and advancing acceptance within the international system” and the second one is “Sparing Water from Armed Conflict for Enhanced POC.”
Indeed, can really do more in the protection of civilians in armed conflict by working hard together and in partnership with various stakeholders.
Thank you, Mr. President. END