Following collaborative diplomatic efforts, Greece, alongside 80 UN member states, has issued a joint statement on the protection of civilians during armed conflicts.
The statement was delivered by Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis at the outset of a Security Council meeting chaired by Greece this month.
“Today, we send a clear message: protecting civilians is a legal obligation defined by international humanitarian law and a moral duty we cannot overlook,” Minister Gerapetritis emphasized.
In concluding his remarks, he added: “Let us reaffirm our shared responsibility to safeguard the most vulnerable, uphold international law, prioritize the security, dignity, and rights of civilians, and ensure that their identities—often overlooked amidst the statistics—remain central to our actions.”
During his address, the Minister stated:
“I am honored to present this statement on behalf of 80 delegations dedicated to upholding international humanitarian law and ensuring the protection of civilians amid armed conflict.
This year, civilians affected by armed conflict continue to endure unimaginable circumstances filled with peril, insecurity, and suffering. The United Nations has reported over 36,000 civilian fatalities in 14 different conflicts as of 2024. The use of explosive weapons in populated areas has resulted in tens of thousands of casualties, and the threat posed by landmines and remnants of war continues to endanger civilians.
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that Gaza is experiencing its “worst humanitarian crisis” since hostilities escalated following the October 7, 2023, attacks, with civilians facing severe hunger and at critical risk of starvation, as noted by IPC. Additionally, hundreds of humanitarian workers have lost their lives since the onset of the conflict. In Sudan, civilians are disproportionately affected by violence, with millions displaced and over half the population facing acute food insecurity. Similar suffering is reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, and other regions.
This situation cannot persist. We come today with a resolute message: civilian protection is not optional; it is a legal obligation under international humanitarian law and a moral responsibility that must be upheld.
Given the escalating armed conflicts and the blatant disregard for civilian lives, we urge all warring parties to adhere to international humanitarian law at all times, and we call on all Member States to leverage their influence to ensure compliance by all parties. This expectation is not merely a suggestion, but a fundamental commitment—one that is legally binding.
Civilians—including women, men, children, the elderly, and the disabled—are suffering. Health workers, farmers, and teachers are falling victim to violence, injury, and displacement. Civilians are frequently targeted or treated as collateral damage in warfare. Their protection should not be regarded as an afterthought; it must be integral to all military strategy and political decisions. We urge all combatants to prioritize the safety of civilians and civilian infrastructure essential for their survival and to treat all persons within their jurisdiction with humanity.
We commend the crucial role played by humanitarian actors and denounce all acts of violence and threats against them. Last year marked the deadliest year for humanitarian workers, with over 360 fatalities recorded across 20 countries. This must end. We reaffirm our commitment to taking action and employing diplomatic avenues to secure the safety of humanitarian personnel, allowing them to fulfill their mandates in accordance with humanitarian principles.
We call on all parties to conflicts to allow and facilitate, as mandated by international humanitarian law, safe, rapid, and unrestricted access to humanitarian aid for all civilians in need. The exploitation of aid for political, military, or strategic ends is unacceptable.
We acknowledge the essential work of journalists, media professionals, and their partners, urging all parties involved to respect their independence and rights. In an era where misinformation is widespread and often exacerbates conflict, independent journalism and frontline reporting have become crucial.
We assert that accountability for those who violate international humanitarian law is vital. Allegations of violations and human rights abuses in armed conflict must be systematically investigated, and perpetrators must be held accountable. Impunity cannot become a norm; it is a failure of justice and a license for repetition.
With “Protection of Civilians Week” underway and today’s open debate focusing once again on civilians in conflict zones, we emphasize that protection is not merely about crisis response—it also involves prevention. We require a more comprehensive strategy to fully safeguard civilians.
Let us reaffirm our collective duty to protect the vulnerable, uphold international law, prioritize the safety, dignity, and rights of civilians, and ensure that their identities—the often unseen voices behind the statistics—remain central to our efforts.
Let us commit ourselves not only through our words but through concrete actions—towards protection, accountability, and, ultimately, towards peace.
Thank you.
