Statement by the President of the Security Council
At the 4882nd meeting of the Security Council, held on 15 December 2003, 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:
Annex
Protection of civilians in armed conflict
Aide Memoire
For the consideration of issues pertaining to the protection of civilians during the Security Council’s deliberation of peacekeeping mandates
Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict is at the core of the work of the United Nations Security Council for peace and security. On 15 March 2002, the Security Council adopted an Aide Memoire (S/PRST/2002/6) as a practical guide for its consideration of protection issues and agreed to update and review and update its contents periodically. This document provides the first update of this important operational tool, adopted as an annex to Presidential Statement S/PRST/2003/27 on 15 December 2003.
In the letter dated 21 June 2001 from the President of the Security Council addressed to the Secretary-General (S/2001/614), the members of the Security Council welcomed the Secretary-General’s report of 30 March 2001 (S/2001/331) on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, and were of the view that further advice of the Secretary-General would be useful in the Council’s consideration of the issues contained in the report.
In order to facilitate due consideration, whenever appropriate, of issues pertaining to the protection of civilians in its deliberations on the establishment, change, or close of peacekeeping operations, the members of the Council suggested that an Aide Memoire listing those issues that are relevant in this regard be drafted in close cooperation with the Council.
This Aide Memoire is the result of an inter-active consultation between the Security Council and the Secretariat, and comprises the experiences of a wide range of agencies within the United Nations, including the Inter Agency Standing Committee (IASC). The document is based on the Council’s previous consideration of these issues, including resolutions 1265 (1999) and 1296 (2000). It highlights primary objectives for Security Council action, offers specific issues for consideration in meeting those objectives, and lists previous Security Council resolutions and presidential statements that make reference to such concerns.
Bearing in mind that each peacekeeping mandate has to be designed on a case-by-case basis, the document is not intended as a blueprint. The relevance and practicality of each issue described has to be considered and adapted to the specific conditions in each situation. As highlighted in the Secretary-General’s report “No Exit Without Strategy” (S/2001/394), the Security Council should reach agreement on clear and achievable mandates for peace operations based on a common understanding of the conflict. In this respect, mobilization, from the outset, of necessary funding and adequate resources needs to be an integrated part of the Security Council’s overall consideration.
Most frequently civilians are caught in circumstances of dire need where a peacekeeping operation has not been established. Such situations may require the Council’s urgent attention. This Aide Memoire may therefore also provide guidance in circumstances where the Council may wish to consider action outside the scope of a peacekeeping operation.
As a practical tool, the Aide Memoire is without prejudice to the provisions of Security Council resolutions and other decisions by the Council. The document is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect the latest concerns pertaining to the protection of civilians in armed conflict, including new trends and measures to address them.
SECURITY FOR DISPLACED PERSONS AND HOST COMMUNITIES |
Primary Objectives |
Issues for Consideration |
Precedents* |
1. Prioritize and support the immediate protection needs of displaced persons and civilians in host communities through: |
|
S/RES/1509(2003), OP3j & l, 6 S/RES/1508(2003), OP10 S/RES/1493(2003), OP27 S /RES/1484(2003), OP1 S/RES/1479(2003), OP10 S/RES/1470(2003), OP16 S/RES/1427(2002), OP12 S/RES/1419(2002), OP11 S/RES/1393(2002), OP11 S/RES/1355(2001), OP14 S/RES/1346(2001), OP7, 8, 9 S/RES/1319(2000), OP1 S/RES/1296(2000), OP12, 14 S/RES/1286(2000), OP12 S/RES/1270(1999), OP19 S/RES/1244(1999), OP9c, 11k, 18 S/RES/1208(1998), OP4, 12 |
2. Prioritize and support the maintenance of the humanitarian and civilian character of camps and settlements for displaced persons through: |
|
|
ACCESS TO VULNERABLE POPULATIONS |
Primary Objectives |
Issues for Consideration |
Precedents* |
Facilitate safe and unimpeded access to vulnerable populations as the fundamental prerequisite for humanitarian assistance and protection through: |
|
S/RES/1509(2003), OP OP3j, 5, 8 S/RES/1502(2003), OP4, 5b S/RES/1494(2003), OP25 S/RES/1493(2003), OP12, 15, 25 S/RES/1479(2003), OP10 S/RES/1456(2003), Annex OP6 S/RES/1405(2002), OP1 S/RES/1419(2002), OP12 S/RES/1417(2002), OP7 S/RES/1445(2002), OP14 S/RES/1379(2001), OP4, 5 S/RES/1378(2001) OP2 S/RES/1314(2000), OP7, 14 S/RES/1296(2000), OP8, 10, 12, 15 S/RES/1286(2000), OP9, 10 S/RES/1279(1999), OP5e, 7 S/RES/1272(1999), OP2d, 10, 11 S/RES/1270(1999), OP8(d&g), 13, 14, 22 S/RES/1265(1999), OP7, 8, 10 S/RES/1264(1999), OP2 S/RES/1244(1999), OP9h S/PRST/2000/4 |
SAFETY AND SECURITY OF HUMANITARIAN AND ASSOCIATED PERSONNEL |
Primary Objectives |
Issues for Consideration |
Precedents* |
Ensure the safety and security of humanitarian, United Nations and associated personnel through: |
|
S/RES/1509(2003), OP OP3j, 5 S/RES/1502(2003), OP1, 3, 4, 5(a-c), 6 S/RES/1494(2003), OP25, 26 S/RES/1493(2003), OP25 S/RES/1445(2002), OP14 S/RES/1417(2002), OP7 S/RES/1378(2001), OP2, 5 S/RES/1319(2000), OP1 S/RES/1296(2000), OP12 S/RES/1286(2000), OP9 S/RES/1272(1999), OP10 S/RES/1270(1999), OP8d, 13, 14 S/RES/1265(1999), OP7, 8, 9, 10 S/RES/1244(1999), OP9h S/PRST/2000/4 |
SECURITY AND THE RULE OF LAW |
Primary Objectives |
Issues for Consideration |
Precedents* |
Strengthen the capacity of local police and judicial systems to physically protect civilians and enforce law and order through: |
|
S/RES/1509(2003), OP3n S/RES/1493(2003), OP7 S/RES/1401(2002), OP4 S/RES/1400(2002), OP7 S/RES/1378(2001), OP3, 4 S/RES/1315(2000), OP4 S/RES/1272(1999), OP2 (a-c, e), 3a, 13 S/RES/1270(1999), OP23 S/RES/1265(1999), OP15 S/RES/1244(1999), OP9d, 11(i-j) |
DISARMAMENT, DEMOBILIZATION, REINTEGRATION AND REHABILITATION |
Primary Objectives |
Issues for Consideration |
Precedents* |
Facilitate the stabilization and rehabilitation of communities through: |
|
S/RES/1509(2003), OP3 (f & g), 17, 18 S/RES/1479(2003), OP3 (para.6), 9 S/RES/1460 (2003), OP13 S/RES/1445(2002), OP4, 5, 6 S/RES/1417(2002), OP9 S/RES/1400(2002), OP6 SRES/1379(2001), OP11 (c,d,f), 12a S/RES/1376(2001), OP12 S/RES/1366(2001), OP 16 S/RES/1325(2000), OP8a, 13 S/RES/1318(2000), Annex OPV S/RES/1296(2000), OP 16 S/RES/1270(1999), OP 3, 4, 8(b & c), 9, 20 S/RES/1265(1999), OP12 S/RES/1261(1999), OP15 S/PRST/2000/10 S/PRST/1999/28 |
SMALL ARMS AND MINE ACTION |
Primary Objectives |
Issues for Consideration |
Precedents* |
Facilitate a secure environment for vulnerable populations and humanitarian personnel through: |
|
S/RES/1479(2003), OP13 S/RES/1460(2003), OP7 S/RES/1433(2002), OP3B(2) S/RES/1379(2001), OP6, 9d S/RES/1318(2000), OPVI (para.1) S/RES/1314(2000), OP8 S/RES/1296(2000), OP10, 20 S/RES/1286(2000), OP12 S/RES/1265(1999), OP17 S/RES/1261(1999), OP14, 17a S/RES/1244(1999), OP9e S/PRST/1999/28 |
EFFECTS ON AND CONTRIBUTION OF WOMEN |
Primary Objectives |
Issues for Consideration |
Precedents* |
1. Address the specific needs of women for assistance and protection through: |
|
S/RES/1509(2003), OP11 S/RES/1493(2003), OP9 S/RES/1479(2003), OP5 S/RES/1460(2003), OP10 S/RES/1436(2002), OP15 S/RES/1400(2002), OP14 S/RES/1379(2001), OP4 S/RES/1325(2000), OP1, 4, 5, 8a, 10, 13, 15 S/RES/1314(2000), OP13, 16e S/RES/1296(2000), OP9, 10 S/PRST/2001/31 |
2. Strengthen the role of women as constructive actors in developing and implementing appropriate responses to protecting civilians through: |
• Increased and more equitable participation of women at all decision-making levels (political processes; organization and management of refugee and IDP camps; design and distribution of assistance; local governance; education; rehabilitation policies). |
EFFECTS ON CHILDREN |
Primary Objectives |
Issues for Consideration |
Precedents* |
Address the specific needs of children for assistance and protection through: |
• Monitoring and reporting on the situation of children. |
S/RES/1509(2003), OP9, 10 S/RES/1493(2003), OP13 S/RES/1479(2003), OP15 S/RES/1460(2003), OP3, 9, 10, 12, 13 S/RES/1436(2002), OP15 S/RES/1400(2002), OP14 S/RES/1379(2001), OP2, 4, 8e, 10c, 11(c,d,f), 12a S/RES/1314 (2000), OP 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17 S/RES/1296(2000), OP 9, 10 S/RES/1270(1999), OP18 S/RES/1261(1999), OP 2, 8,13, 15, 17a S/PRST/1998/18 |
JUSTICE AND RECONCILIATION |
Primary Objectives |
Issues for Consideration |
Precedents* |
1. Put an end to impunity for those responsible for serious violations of international humanitarian, human rights and criminal law through: |
|
S/RES/1509(2003), OP10 S/RES/1479(2003), OP8 S/RES/1436(2002), OP11, 15 S/RES/1400(2002), OP5 S/RES/1398(2002), OP14 S/RES/1379(2001), OP9a S/RES/1325(2000), OP11 S/RES/1319(2000), OP2, 3 S/RES/1318(2000), Annex OPVI (para.3) S/RES/1315(2000), OP1-3, 8 S/RES/1314(2000), OP 2, 9 S/RES/1272(1999), OP16 S/RES/1270(1999), OP17 S/RES/1265(1999), OP4, 6 S/RES/1261(1999), OP 3 S/RES/955(1994), OP1, 2 S/RES/827(1993), OP2, 4 |
2. Build confidence and enhance stability within the host State by promoting truth and reconciliation through: |
|
|
TRAINING OF SECURITY AND PEACEKEEPING FORCES |
Primary Objectives |
Issues for Consideration |
Precedents* |
Ensure adequate sensitization of multinational forces to issues pertaining to the protection of civilians through: |
|
S/RES/1460(2003), OP9 S/RES/1445(2002), OP18 S/RES/1379(2001), OP10b S/RES/1325(2000), OP6 S/RES/1318(2000), Annex OPIII (para.2) S/RES/1308(2000), OP 3 S/RES/1296(2000), OP19 S/RES/1270(1999), OP15 S/RES/1265(1999), OP14 S/PRST/2001/31 S/PRST/2001/16 S/PRST/1998/18 |
MEDIA AND INFORMATION |
Primary Objectives |
Issues for Consideration |
Precedents* |
1. Counter occurrences of speech used to incite violence through: |
|
S/RES/1509(2003), OP16 S/RES/1417(2002), OP4, 5 S/RES/1353(2001), Annex I, B – OP 10, 11 S/RES/1296(2000), OP17, 18 |
2. Promote and support accurate management of information on the conflict through: |
|
|
NATURAL RESOURCES AND ARMED CONFLICT |
Primary Objectives |
Issues for Consideration |
Precedents* |
Address the impact of natural resource exploitation on the protection of civilians through: |
|
S/RES/1509(2003), OP3r S/RES/1493(2003), OP28 S/RES/1460(2003), OP16b S/RES/1436(2002), OP8 S/RES/1417(2002), OP15 S/RES/1379(2001), OP6, 9d S/RES/1376(2001), OP8 S/RES/1318(2000), Annex OPVI (para.2) S/RES/1314(2000), OP8 S/RES/1306(2000), OP1, 2, 9,19a |
HUMANITARIAN IMPACT OF SANCTIONS |
Primary Objectives |
Issues for Consideration |
Precedents* |
Minimize unintended adverse side effects of sanctions on the civilian population through: |
|
S/RES/1478(2003), OP18, 19 S/RES/1409(2002), OP4, 5, 6 S/RES/1408(2002), OP16 S/RES/1379(2001), OP7 S/RES/1343(2001), OP5(a-d), 6, 7(a&b), 13a S/RES/1333(2000), OP5(a-c), 7, 8(a-c), 10, 11, 12, 14, 15d, 23 S/RES/1325(2000), OP14 S/RES/1314(2000), OP15 S/RES/1298(2000), OP6, 7, 8, 16 S/RES/1296(2000), OP21 S/RES/1267(1999), OP4 S/RES/1265(1999), OP16 S/PRST/1999/28 |
*Resolution Index:
S/RES/1509(2003) on the Situation in Liberia
S/RES/1508(2003) on the Extension of the Mandate of the UN Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL)
S/RES/1502(2003) on the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel and the UN and its Associated Personnel in Conflict Zones
S/RES/1494(2003) on the Extension of the Mandate of the UN Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG)
S/RES/1493(2003) on the Extension of the Mandate of the UN Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC)
S/RES/1484(2003) on the Authorization of Deployment of an Interim Emergency Multinational Force in Bunia, Democratic Republic of the Congo
S/RES/1479(2003) on the Situation in Côte d’Ivoire
S/RES/1478(2003) on Measures Imposed to Enforce Compliance with Demands in Resolution 1343 (2001) Concerning Liberia
S/RES/1470(2003) on the Extension of the Mandate of the UN Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL)
S/RES/1460(2003) on Children and Armed Conflict
S/RES/1456(2003) on Combating Terrorism
S/RES/1445(2002) on the Peace Process in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
S/RES/1436(2002) on the Extension of the Mandate of the UN Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL)
S/RES/1433(2002) on the Establishment of the UN Mission in Angola (UNMA)
S/RES/1427(2002) on the Extension of the Mandate of the UN Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG)
S/RES/1419(2002) on the Support for Transitional Authority in the full implementation of the Agreement on Provisional Arrangements in Afghanistan pending the re-establishment of Permanent Government
S/RES/1417(2002) on the Extension of the Mandate of the UN Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC)
S/RES/1408(2002) on Measures Against Liberia for Non-Compliance With Demands in Paragraph 2 of Resolution 1343 (2001)
S/RES/1409(2002) on Arrangements for the Sale and Supply of Commodities and Products to Iraq as a Basis for the Humanitarian Programme
S/RES/1405(2002) on the Initiative for Fact-finding Team for Jenin Refugee Camp
S/RES/1401(2002) on the Establishment of UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA)
S/RES/1400(2002) on the Extension of the Mandate of the UN Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL)
S/RES/1393(2002) on the Extension of the Mandate of the UN Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG)
S/RES/1379(2001) on Children and Armed Conflict
S/RES/1378(2001) on the Situation in Afghanistan
S/RES/1376(2001) on the Situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
S/RES/1366(2001) on the Role of the Security Council in the Prevention of Armed Conflicts
S/RES/1355(2001) on the Situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Extension of the Mandate of the UN Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC)
S/RES/1346(2001) on the Extension of the Mandate of the UN Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL)
S/RES/1353(2001) on the Strengthening Co-operation with Troop-contributing Countries
S/RES/1343(2001) on the Situation in Liberia
S/RES/1333(2000) on the Situation in Afghanistan
S/RES/1327(2000) on the Implementation of the Report on the Panel on UN Peace Operations
S/RES/1325(2000) on Women, Peace and Security
S/RES/1319(2000) on the Situation in East Timor
S/RES/1318(2000) on Ensuring an Effective Role for the Security Council in the Maintenance of International Peace and Security, particularly in Africa
S/RES/1315(2000) on the Situation in Sierra Leone
S/RES/1314(2000) on Children and Armed Conflict
S/RES/1308(2000) on the Responsibility of the Security Council in the Maintenance of International Peace and Security: HIV/AIDS and International Peace-keeping Operations
S/RES/1306(2000) on the Situation in Sierra Leone
S/RES/1298(2000) on the Situation in Eritrea and Ethiopia
S/RES/1296(2000) on the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict
S/RES/1286(2000) on the Situation in Burundi
S/RES/1279(1999) on the Situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
S/RES/1272(1999) on the Situation in East Timor
S/RES/1270(1999) on the Situation in Sierra Leone
S/RES/1267(1999) on the Situation in Afghanistan
S/RES/1265(1999) on the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict
S/RES/1264(1999) on the Situation in East Timor
S/RES/1261(1999) on the Children and Armed Conflict
S/RES/1244(1999) on the Situation in Kosovo
S/RES/1208(1998) on the Situation in Africa: Refugee Camps
S/RES/955(1994) on the Establishment of an International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda
S/RES/827(1993) on the Establishment of an International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
S/RES/824(1993) on the Situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina
S/PRST/2002/41 on the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict
S/PRST/2002/6 on the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict
S/PRST/2001/31 on Women and Peace and Security
S/PRST/2001/16 on the Responsibility of the Security Council in the Maintenance of International Peace and Security: HIV/AIDS and International Peacekeeping Operations
S/PRST/2000/10 on the Maintenance of Peace and Security and Post-conflict Peace-building
S/PRST/2000/4 on the Protection of United Nations Personnel, Associated personnel and Humanitarian Personnel in Conflict Zones
S/PRST/1999/28 on Small Arms
S/PRST/1998/18 on Children and Armed Conflict
**The Security Council also recognized the relevance of GA/RES/55/2(2000) and GA/RES/46/182(1991) in the broader context of protection of civilians and the root causes of conflicts.
___________
Document Type: Security Council presidential statement
Document Sources: Security Council
Subject: Agenda Item, Fourth Geneva Convention, Human rights and international humanitarian law, Internally displaced persons, International presence, Protection, Refugees and displaced persons
Publication Date: 15/12/2003