20 April 2000
Text: Ambassador Soderberg's UNSC Remarks on Protection of Civilians
(The international community alone cannot protect civilians) (1330) United Nations -- Discussing a variety of options that could help protect civilians caught in war, U.S. Ambassador Nancy Soderberg April 19 emphasized to the UN Security Council that "civilians cannot be adequately protected by the international community alone." In a statement delivered during a Security Council debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflicts, Soderberg said that authorities of the state in which the war is occurring must cooperate with the UN and humanitarian organizations to ensure access to those at risk and ensure the safety of UN and aid workers trying to help. Soderberg also pointed out that the UN Security Council faces a dilemma having to "walk a fine line and find a balance between what is ideal and what is feasible." At the end of the debate, the Council unanimously adopted a resolution reaffirming its readiness to deal with deliberate attacks on civilians and willingness to consider taking other measures such as setting up safe corridors when feasible. Following is the US/UN text of Ambassador Soderberg's remarks: (begin text) USUN PRESS RELEASE AS PREPARED FOR DELIVERY Statement Ambassador Nancy Soderberg United States Alternate Representative for Special Political Affairs Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflicts, Security Council April 19, 2000 Mr. Secretary-General, Mr. President, Foreign Minister Axworthy: We are here this morning to discuss a difficult, but important topic -- one that was in the forefront of the minds of the founders of the United Nations and of many other statesmen and political leaders before them. The UN founders set up this organization "to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war," and to limit the human suffering and death that are the inevitable result of war. The Geneva Conventions stipulate that, at a minimum civilians shall be treated humanely and not be murdered, tortured, mutilated, taken hostage, cruelly treated, or made to face humiliating outrages against their dignity. This focus on the impact of war upon civilians has been at the heart of the United Nations since its beginning. Unfortunately, even since the founding of the UN and the conclusion of the Geneva Conventions, we have continued to see what the Secretary General has termed a "civilianization of conflict" as conflicts increasingly involve actors who blithely disregard the fundamental protections afforded civilians under international humanitarian law and indeed are often ignorant of, or indifferent to, fundamental rules of armed conflict. The traditional tools of diplomacy are not always completely effective, but as members of the Security Council with a responsibility to maintain international peace and security, we must identify means to address the outrages being perpetrated against civilians. Mr. President, All of us here on this Council face a dilemma. We are aware of, and wish to promote and uphold, the ideals which motivated the founders of the UN. However, as we all know, we are constrained by various political realities. Our job is to walk a fine line and find a balance between what is ideal and what is feasible. The Secretary-General's report, which we have before us, sets out more than three dozen recommendations of steps that can be taken -- by the Council, by Member States, and by other Organs in the UN system -- to do a better job of protecting civilians from falling victim to armed conflicts. In fact, in various situations, we have already put into practice many of the steps the Secretary-General recommends. While we support the ideals and the general goal of this report, we believe that every specific situation of armed conflict must be dealt with individually, in its own context, bearing in mind the global standards set by the applicable provisions of international humanitarian law. While we must keep the ideals laid out in this report in mind in all cases, we must make appropriate decisions in each instance based on the specific circumstances of each case. It is not advisable to define in advance a cookie cutter approach. The United States appreciated the opportunity to exchange ideas on this difficult topic during the long and painstaking negotiations which resulted in the resolution we have just adopted. We support this resolution and will work with the other members of the Council to implement its provisions as appropriate in different circumstances. The best way to protect civilians, of course, is to prevent conflict before it erupts, and the Security Council acknowledged this when it discussed the matter last November. We recognize the importance of early warning and early preventive actions, and also recognize the many serious risks civilians face during armed conflict. They are often subjected to armed attack, or rape, or abduction. Whether they have fled their homes or remained in an unstable area, whether they have crossed an international border to relative safety or sought refuge nearby, they may be at risk for their lives or for their basic human needs. They may face danger from the indiscriminate and irresponsible use of landmines or the uncontrolled spread of the small arms and light weapons carried by too many of their fellow citizens. Clandestine radio broadcasts inciting genocide add another evil dimension to an already dangerous situation. And camps for displaced persons and refugees, which should be a temporary haven, may be infiltrated by armed elements who then hold the most vulnerable among them hostage. There are a variety of options we can consider. At times, encouraging diplomatic talks between the parties may be the proper response. At other times, the Council may need to dispatch monitors, or impose targeted sanctions, or even deploy civilian police or peacekeeping troops. In other situations it may be appropriate to establish temporary humanitarian corridors or safe zones, or to choose an entirely different course of action altogether. The key is to define steps that are both feasible and effective. Badly devised actions risk raising the risks to the very people we seek to help. We also need to be sure that the UN personnel in the field are trained and equipped to get the job done right. Already, peacekeeping troops receive military training; civilian police receive training in patrolling and investigating; civilian administrators receive training in management techniques; and relief workers are trained in the logistics of delivering assistance. However, they also must be fully aware of the rules of international humanitarian law and of the special protection needs of the most vulnerable populations, including women, children, and victims of disabling or communicable diseases. The United Nations has a role to play in helping make such training available -- as do Member States. The United Nations also has a role in helping with the demobilization, disarmament and reintegration of former combatants, including child soldiers. But it cannot do these things alone. The host government must do its part. The World Bank, UNDP and other development agencies can also help make the transition from the initial phase of demobilization to the longer-term phase of reintegration back into society. Mr. President, In closing, I want to reiterate a point of paramount importance: civilians cannot be adequately protected by the international community alone. The authorities of the state in which armed conflict is occurring must cooperate with the international community and humanitarian organizations in ensuring access to the civilian population at risk, and by ensuring the safety and security of the UN and humanitarian personnel involved in operations designed to assist civilians. Each party to a conflict has obligations under international law towards civilians. Each government has a responsibility towards its citizens. Each government must do all in its power to live up to the tenets of international law I referred to at the beginning of these remarks, and to protect the civilians under its authority against threats to their lives, their dignity, and to their personal rights. Thank you, Mr. President. (end text) (Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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