Implementation

In that regard, the Non-Aligned Movement believes that due priority should continue to be given to promoting knowledge of, respect for and observance of States' obligations assumed under the United Nations Charter and international, international human rights and international humanitarian law, in particular the four Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their 1977 Protocols.

Also in that context, the Secretary-General's report expands, in an unjustified manner, the definition and scope of the term armed conflict to include in that definition situations that are not considered armed conflicts according to the United Nations Charter and international law.

While we have made progress in bringing clarity to how peacekeeping operations implement protection of civilians mandates, we still require a more detailed articulation of how key functions within missions can more effectively protect civilians on a daily basis. This operational guidance will be a critical part of the protection toolkit that we are developing.

Recent tragic incidents, notably in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in which the lives and safety of civilians have been so grossly disregarded by armed militias are a tragic reminder of both the importance of protecting civilians where we are mandated to do so and of the immense complexities that this entails.

We welcome the Secretariat's efforts in establishing clear guidance and developing an operational concept for peacekeeping missions on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. Furthermore, a stronger partnership on protection with troop- and police-contributing countries, host Governments and local populations should be developed.

The Security Council, as the principal organ for addressing threats to international peace and security, should respond to prevent violations of international law and to protect civilian populations in all situations of armed conflict without distinction.

In just over 10 years since the first peacekeeping operation with an explicit mandate for the protection of civilians in armed conflict was deployed in Sierra Leone, we have accumulated valuable experience and made important progress with a view to establishing a comprehensive framework in the Security Council through thematic resolutions on the protection of civilians, as well as other milestone resolutions, including 1325 (2000), 1612 (2005)

The State has the primary responsibility to protect civilians in armed conflict. Respecting this principle is essential to strengthen the State's capacities and to identify long-term solutions, with the cooperation of the international community, when required. Our own experience has shown that strong democratic institutions help to achieve the goals of progress and overall well-being.

The Secretary-General's report (S/2010/579) is an important contribution to the intergovernmental consultations taking place in the General Assembly and the Security Council on the protection of civilians.

Regarding observations concerning the possible engagement of humanitarian actors with illegal armed groups, my Government reaffirms that such engagement must enjoy the explicit consent of the concerned State and comply with national and international humanitarian law. The lack of information on and knowledge of specific realities on the part of international actors could have a negative impact on the actual protection of civilians.