Statement by H.E. Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes, PR of Latvia to the United Nations, at the UN Security Council High-Level Open Debate on the theme “Protecting civilians in armed conflict: addressing emerging threats, ensuring safety of civilians, humanitarian and UN personnel, journalists and media professionals and enhancing accountability mechanisms”
22 May 2025, New York
Mr. President,
Let me begin by expressing gratitude to the Greek presidency for convening this critically important open debate, and extend my appreciation to Under-Secretary-General Mr. Tom Fletcher, to President of the International Committee of the Red Cross Ms. Mirjana Spoljaric, as well as to UN Women Executive Director Ms. Sima Bahous and President of “Save the Children US” Ms. Janti Soeripto for their sobering briefings.
The speed and impunity with which the principles of global norms and multilateralism are being tested is most alarming. Civilian suffering is on the rise. It is most blood-chilling in Ukraine, Middle East, Sudan, and in so many other places across the globe. At the heart of today’s discussion lies a simple yet vital truth: civilians must never be a target in the pursuit of military objectives. International Humanitarian Law also demands safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access to all civilians in need.
Just last year, the Council adopted resolution 2730, reaffirming the protection of humanitarian workers and UN personnel. Yet, we continue to witness systematic and deliberate attacks on civilians, humanitarian workers, UN staff and journalists. These are not unfortunate by-products of war – they are choices, and they are violations of international law.
Mr. President,
Allow me to express three urgent appeals on this front: compliance with the International Humanitarian Law, protection of humanitarian personnel and the role of journalists and media professionals.
First and foremost, the International Humanitarian Law is not a luxury nor a suggestion – it is the legal and moral foundation of our shared humanity. Yet, too often, we see it undermined by assertions of “exceptional threat” or “military necessity”. This outdated rationale defies the very purpose of the law: to protect civilian life and human dignity when it is most under threat. Let us be clear - there is no theoretical debate on how one should conduct themselves during an armed conflict, the law clearly states what is permitted and what is not.
In this context, Latvia joins the “Global Initiative to galvanise political commitment to International Humanitarian Law”. Therefore, we call on all parties to conflict to fulfil their international legal obligations to protect civilians, aid workers, UN staff and journalists. Compliance by Member States translates into ‘life or death’ situation for civilians on the ground every single day.
Second, humanitarian personnel continue their work with an extraordinary perseverance – delivering assistance under fire, crossing frontlines to reach the most vulnerable, and doing so with neutrality and courage. Their devotion demands our respect and our protection. It also demands that we act to restore and preserve trust in their work.
Third, investigation and reporting by journalists and media professionals enables the international community to receive vital information from war zones, especially in times of growing disinformation. But, as stated in the report of the Secretary-General, journalists covering armed conflicts experience harassment, assaults, arbitrary detention and threats. This again, is not a side effect of war – it is often a tactic of war – and one we must reject collectively. We must confront this challenge head-on – by upholding fact-based information, and by protecting journalists and media professionals.
Mr. President,
To conclude, we urge this Council to uphold its unique role in protecting civilians and ensure accountability. As long as armed conflicts rage, this responsibility cannot be deferred, diluted, or denied. We owe it to the civilians who suffer, to the humanitarian actors and journalists who serve, and to the values of the UN Charter we have all committed to. We must not merely reaffirm our principles – we must act upon them.
I thank you!