Implementation

The latest report of the Secretary-General identifies various areas where progress has been made, but it also clearly notes that most of this progress is still taking place within a normative or legislative framework. Such progress contributes to the development the common of conceptual framework we all seek as the basis and guide for the protection of civilians tasks that peacekeeping operations must carry out.

The issue of the protection of civilians in armed conflict has been addressed in this Chamber for over 10 years, and we have seen the subject evolve and develop in that time. In this respect, we believe that resolution 1894 (2009) and last year's presidential statement (S/PRST/2009/1) to be of great value.

Peru reiterates its support for the promotion of and respect for international humanitarian law by all parties to a conflict, particularly non-State armed groups.

Other important measures are those taken to punish non-compliance with international humanitarian law in order to put an end to any possibility of impunity. In the context of political support, of equal importance are the role of regional organizations and the contribution they can make to prevention, planning and operations, as well as the support they can provide to national capacity-building for the protection of civilians.

In fulfilment of its international obligations, and with the aim of raising awareness of the framework for the protection of civilians in armed conflict among public officials and civil society, my country has implemented a policy of dissemination of international humanitarian law across the board. We have stressed the protection of civilians in armed conflict.

However, we must remember that we have no time to lose in improving protection on the ground. We need to keep in mind both the multidimensional nature of peacekeeping operations and their various civilian, military and police components, as well as the essential political commitment that such missions require.

Finally, while Peru supports the adoption of presidential statements at the end of debates of this kind — believing that they are instruments of value and utility to the matter under discussion — we also believe it very important that, before any such text is adopted, we also listen to and consider the opinions of the membership on the issue at hand.

The Government of Pakistan strongly condemns attacks on civilians under all circumstances. Pakistan has been a strong and active supporter of the protection of civilians in armed conflict. Over the years, Pakistan has contributed to international efforts, particularly those led by the United Nations, for the protection of civilians in armed conflict.

Objective reporting is a basic prerequisite for the consideration of this important issue. Systematic and consistent violations of the rights of civilians are frequent and pervasive around the world, especially in situations of foreign occupation.

Protecting civilians from the atrocities of war is an essential element of our human rights work. It is also an indispensable part of any strategy for managing threats to international peace and stability.