Hanoi (VNA) –Vietnamese Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang underscored the critical importance ofprotecting civilians in armed conflicts while addressing an annual open debateon the issue held by the UN Security Council (UNSC) on May 25.

In his remarks, Giang, who isPermanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, pointed out the fact that theinternational community is facing major challenges to civilian protection suchas wars and large-scale conflicts in many places and the complex COVID-19situation, especially in conflict-hit areas. Those lingering problems havebecome even more complicated due to new crises, particularly the food crisisand supply chain disruptions.

Meanwhile, resources for theprotection of civilians have been reduced as the international community has toreserve them for resolving new challenges.

As such, the most importantthing now is to pay due attention to protecting civilians in conflicts;promoting the parties involved in conflicts to comply with the UN Charter,international law and international humanitarian law, including the UNSC’sResolution 2573; and boosting countries’ sense of responsibility towardscivilian protection, he said.

He called on the internationalcommunity to take urgent measures, increase humanitarian aid, and help increasecountries and communities’ resilience to security challenges, including climatechange.

In the long term, Giangstressed, it is necessary to step up the settlement and prevention of conflictson the basis of enhanced cooperation between the UN, countries, regional organisations,and the private sector.

Vietnam thoroughly understandswar consequences and sympathises with armed conflicts’ losses and aftermath sufferedby civilians, the ambassador noted, adding that it will keep contributing tocommon international efforts to protect civilians in conflicts.

At the debate, speakers voicedtheir concern that most of the recent casualties in armed conflicts are stillcivilians, with over 11,000 deaths in 2021 and 84 million others made homeless.

They also pointed out otherworrying trends, appealing to the UNSC and the international community to helppromote peaceful solutions to conflicts, ensure the parties involved inconflicts adhere to international humanitarian law, facilitate access tohumanitarian aid, and properly handle infringements.

UNSC member states emphasisedthe need for stronger efforts and more practical actions to minimise civilian casualtiesand deal with urgent challenges like conflict-driven hunger. Many alsohighlighted the importance of complying with international humanitarian law andfully implementing UNSC resolutions, especially Resolution 2573 on theprotection of objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population./.