STATEMENT BY
MR. MOHD HAFIZ OTHMAN
MINISTER COUNSELLOR, PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA
TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE SECURITY COUNCIL OPEN DEBATE ON THE PROTECTION OF CIVILIANS IN ARMED CONFLICT
25 MAY 2022, NEW YORK
Mr. President,
Thank you for convening this annual Open Debate. I would also like to thank all briefers for their valuable interventions. Malaysia is pleased to see the Council’s sustained commitment to discussing this important topic, including implementing resolution 2286, which we supported during our membership in this Council in 2016.
Mr. President,
2. We are appalled by the continued attacks on civilians, including journalists, media workers, and humanitarian personnel in conflict situations. Impunity continues to prevail in many armed conflicts due to the persisting lack of accountability for crimes committed against civilians. In many situations, such as in the Occupied Palestinian and other Arab territories, the cycle of impunity enjoyed by the Occupier continues to deepen the occurrence of further violations.
3. Malaysia continues to call on all parties to armed conflict to comply fully with their obligations under international law. We also call on all parties to facilitate safe and unimpeded passage for medical and humanitarian personnel and respect the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence. We also call on the Security Council as custodian of peace and security to ensure the principles of the UN Charter and international law be consistently applied in all conflicts.
Mr. President,
4. The Secretary-General’s latest report on the protection of civilians (S/2022/381) underscores the grim reality that, armed conflict continued to be characterised by high levels of civilian death, injury and psychological trauma, sexual violence, torture, family separation and disappearance. In this respect, I would like to focus on three central aspects that Malaysia considers of particular importance:
5. First, my delegation continues to believe that conflict represents a systemic risk for civilians. Therefore, a ceasefire must be the first step to prevent further civilian deaths and injuries, followed by efforts to address the root causes of conflict in ensuring lasting peace. 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. We also stress that prevention, de-escalation, and solution of conflicts must only be achieved by peaceful means.
6. Second, it is pivotal to recognise the critical role of diverse local civil society and actors in the protection of civilians. All actors should take advantage of the expertise and perspective of local actors and communities, including meaningful engagement of women, youth, and marginalised populations in supporting unarmed self-protection efforts. This partnership should extend but not be limited to financial resources, best practices, and mechanisms that communities use to protect themselves. At the same time, Malaysia also holds the view that much more could be done to recognise the role of women and youth as agents of peace. Such recognition could further empower them to play an active role in creating or supporting a safe environment with and for the local community.
7. Third, we need to strengthen the capacity and mandate of our peacekeepers. Malaysia concurs that the provision of civilian protection mandates by the Security Council to peacekeeping operations is vital in curbing violence inflicted against civilians. Our peacekeepers must be trained appropriately and adequately to protect civilians. We also consider operational plans and strategies in peacekeeping missions to protect civilians must be informed by an analysis of the different impacts of conflict on all population, especially vulnerable groups.
Mr. President,
8. Let me conclude by reiterating the need for us to do more to ensure the protection of civilians, including strengthening accountability against the perpetrators of human rights violations in armed conflicts.
Thank you.