Joint Nordic Statement at UN Security Council Open Debate on Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict

Mr. President, 

I deliver this joint statement on behalf of the Nordic countries – Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and my own country Sweden. 

I wish to convey our heartfelt gratitude to today’s briefers – for shedding light on the essential need for protection of civilians in today’s world plagued by brutal conflicts and tragic crisis.  

As was clearly conveyed by earlier remarks, we are experiencing a sharp rise in both the number of active conflicts across the globe as well as the number of civilians affected. 

In addition, conflicts are becoming more protracted and certainly expanding in complexity. 

Within this context, civilians, and in particular women, children and persons with disabilities, are disproportionally suffering the grave consequences of extreme acts of violence and violations of international law, which further exacerbates humanitarian needs and vulnerabilities. 

The need to strengthen efforts to protect civilians has never been more urgent. Protection from violence will not only save lives and alleviate suffering; it will also reduce the need for humanitarian assistance. 

We are deeply concerned about the increasing number of civilian casualties in armed conflict globally. Last year, more humanitarian aid workers were killed than any other year on record. Threats to journalists in conflict zones are also increasing. 

We need to urgently reverse these trends. Respect for international law, including international humanitarian law, is imperative for the protection of civilians and for safeguarding the humanitarian space, access and operations. It is also a building block for peace. Our vision should be the full protection of civilians. 

In order to reinforce efforts to protect civilians, including ensuring respect for IHL, the Nordic countries would like to draw specific attention to the following four aspects:

First, in armed conflict, civilians are protected against all acts of violence. Directing attacks against civilians is a blatant violation of IHL. Humanitarian relief personnel and journalists must also be respected and protected. The obligation to respect IHL is not limited to States and other parties to a conflict but extends to other States, which have an obligation to ensure respect for IHL. 

We must amplify our efforts to this end and collectively work towards strict adherence to our IHL obligations. We cannot remain silent. Those responsible for violations of IHL must be held to account. 

Second, while we recognize the potential of new technologies for peace and security, the proliferation of autonomous and artificial intelligence enabled weapons systems in conflict is not without risks and challenges. Such systems require human judgment and control in the use of force. The use of such systems must be in full compliance with international humanitarian law. 

Third, investing in protection is a moral imperative, a legal obligation, necessary for preserving human dignity, and the foundation for conflict resolution 

Lastly, as donors and members of the international community, we need to maintain a principled humanitarian response. We all must do our share and exert our political influence to place the protection of civilians at the heart of humanitarian, peace and development efforts. 

Thank you.