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STATEMENT BY

H.E. MR. AHMAD FAISAL MUHAMAD

PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

 

AT THE OPEN DEBATE OF THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL

ON THE PROTECTION OF CIVILIANS IN ARMED CONFLICT

 

 "ENSURING THE SECURITY AND DIGNITY OF CIVILIANS IN CONFLICT

ADDRESSING FOOD INSECURITY AND PROTECTING ESSENTIAL SERVICES"

23 MAY 2023

 

 

 

President,

 

Thank you for convening today’s important debate. Thank you also to the briefers for their invaluable insights.

 

Exactly five years ago this Council adopted resolution 2417, which condemns the use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare in armed conflicts.  The briefing today reaffirms that it continues to be a grave concern. We must use this opportunity to address the issue constructively, and focus our efforts towards implementing fully the relevant Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolutions 2417 and 2573.

 

President,

 

Our delegation condemns violent attacks on civilians in armed conflicts. Sadly, in many parts of the world for example in Palestine and Myanmar, protracted violence has caused massive destruction and immense sufferings to innocent civilians, many of whom are women and children.  The hardship faced by civilians caught in armed conflicts typically includes food insecurity, malnutrition and general lack of access to basic necessities.

 

Here, my delegation wishes to stress the following points:

 

• First, Malaysia believes in peaceful and negotiated solutions to armed conflicts.  We continue to call on Member States, particularly this Council, to honour the commitment made in supporting the Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire in 2020;
• Second, Malaysia considers the United Nations peacekeeping operations as an indispensable instrument to the protection of civilians in armed conflicts. In some places, the peacekeepers have participated in projects to enhance food security in the local communities.  For example, Malaysian peacekeepers through UNIFIL Quick Impact Project (QIP) in Lebanon, have assisted to enhance food security by helping local communities to build agricultural infrastructure.  We should do more to explore such possibilities.
• Finally, we reiterate our call for all parties in conflicts, to adhere to the applicable norms of international humanitarian and human rights laws, as well as to respect and earnestly implement UN resolutions.  States must uphold their obligations to protect the life, health and dignity of civilians in time of conflict, especially those of vulnerable groups like children, women, the elderly and those with disabilities.

 

President,

 

Regrettably, 77 years after we made the promise to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, armed conflicts continue raging in many parts of the world, inflicting great human sufferings. While we continue striving to end armed conflicts, we must do more to uphold international humanitarian law and implement relevant UN resolutions to ensure the protection of civilians. Malaysia will continue to do its part in contributing constructively in this endeavour.

 

I thank you.