Protection of civilians in armed conflict – SecCo Presidential statement

Statement by the President of the Security Council

  At the 4493rd meeting of the Security Council, held on 15 March 2002, in connection with the Council’s consideration of the item entitled “ Protection of civilians in armed conflict”, the President of the Security Council made the following statement on behalf of the Council:

    “The Security Council recalls its resolutions 1265 (1999) of 17 September 1999 and 1296 (2000) of 19 April 2000 on the protection of civilians in armed conflict and the letter of 21 June 2001 from the President of the Security Council to the Secretary-General on the protection of civilians in armed conflict (S/2001/614).

    “The Security Council reaffirms its concern at the hardships borne by civilians during armed conflict, and recognizes the consequent impact this has on durable peace, reconciliation and development, bearing in mind its primary responsibility under the Charter of the United Nations for the maintenance of international peace and security, and underlining the importance of taking measures aimed at conflict prevention and resolution.

    “Having considered the reports of the Secretary-General of 8 September 1999 (S/1999/957) and of 30 March 2001 (S/2001/331) on the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict and welcoming the close cooperation with the Secretary-General in preparing the Aide Memoire attached to this statement, the Security Council adopts the Aide Memoire contained in the annex to the presidential statement as a means to facilitate its consideration of issues pertaining to protection of civilians. The Council further emphasizes the need, when considering ways to provide for the protection of civilians in armed conflict, to proceed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the particular circumstances.

    “The Security Council will review and update the contents of the Aide Memoire as appropriate, and will remain actively seized of the matter.”

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