Statement by H.E. Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes, Permanent Representative of Latvia to the UN at the UNSC Emergency Open Briefing on Lebanon
New York, 31 March 2026
Mr President,
Allow me to begin by thanking you for convening this meeting on such a short notice. I also thank France and Indonesia for requesting this meeting in light of the UNIFIL casualties and the escalatory situation in Lebanon.
I thank USG Lacroix, USG Fletcher and ASG Khiari for their briefings.
Latvia strongly condemns the attacks on UNIFIL resulting in the death of three Indonesian peacekeepers and injuries to several other peacekeepers. We express our deepest condolences to the Republic of Indonesia. Our thoughts are with the injured and the loved ones of the deceased. We call for a robust and timely investigation to determine the perpetrators of the attacks. We call for accountability for these blatant violations of international humanitarian law. The safety and security of UN personnel and property is not optional: it must be respected by all sides at all times. Deliberate attacks on peacekeepers are grave violations of international humanitarian law and may constitute war crimes. We call upon all members of this Council to continue stressing the crucial importance of upholding commitments agreed in Security Council resolutions 2518 and 2730.
We commend the exceptional service of UNIFIL as it continues to implement its mandate under resolution 1701and providing assistance to the local population even in the direst of circumstances. All essential personnel, including those from my country, are still on duty in the midst of hostilities. However, the threats to safety and security of UNIFIL peacekeepers have clearly reached a threshold which demands further deliberation by the UN and the mission’s leadership on how to prevent further casualties while continuing to implement its mandate.
The latest incidents demonstrate that the current military escalation in Lebanon has serious consequences for all - the civilian populations, the humanitarian personnel and for UN peacekeepers. Even clearly recognisable UN peacekeepers become targets when the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution are discarded.
The ongoing conflict undermines the stability in the region and global security. We express concern about the humanitarian crisis causing mass displacement in Lebanon and inflow. Over a million people forcibly displaced, of which 370 000 are children, 3700 injured and over 1200 deaths.
Hezbollah has dragged the people of Lebanon into a war they have no part in. Iran must stop enabling Hezbollah’s military activities and armed hostilities. Hezbollah must immediately disarm and stop all aggressive actions against Israel. The Lebanese government has clearly taken a stand against the malign influence of Hezbollah and Iran in their country. We commend the Lebanese Government’s decision of 2 March to declare all Hezbollah military and security activities illegal in the whole territory of Lebanon. We also welcome the political commitment of the Lebanese Government to extend its authority throughout the country and the implementation of the disarmament plan. The continued international support in these efforts remains essential.
We call upon Israel to abstain from attacks against civilian infrastructure and heavily populated areas and to respect the Lebanese sovereignty and its territorial integrity. All parties must respect international law, including international humanitarian law, and ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure.
Mr. President,
The hostilities around the Blue Line continues to escalate, claiming the lives of civilians and UNIFIL peacekeepers with increasing frequency. International humanitarian law is being ignored. For generations, the Lebanese people have suffered from armed conflict. Lebanon yet again finds itself on the brink. We call on the parties to the conflict to fully implement resolution 1701, to deescalate and work towards peace. We continue to stand by Lebanon and its people.
Thank you.