Finally, reference has been made to the nature of contemporary conflict mar...

Finally, reference has been made to the nature of contemporary conflict marked by the struggle against non-State armed groups in so-called asymmetric warfare. I acknowledge the complexity of those challenges and would emphasize that international humanitarian law is no less relevant in those contexts. The law is very clear: all parties to conflict must at all times take the necessary steps to spare the civilian population and distinguish at all times between civilians and combatants. Moreover, violations by one party, including non-State parties, do not permit or justify violations by any other party to that same conflict. Indeed, the nature of contemporary conflicts and the increasing prevalence of conflict in densely populated settings require ever more vigilance from the parties and determined efforts to respect and to ensure respect for their obligations under the law.