New York, May 25 (BNA): The Kingdom of Bahrain has affirmed the importance of ensuring the protection of civilians in armed conflicts by complying with international humanitarian law and international human rights law, adopting a comprehensive and coordinated international approach and investing in achieving sustainable development and peace, based on its awareness of the relationship between the environment, natural resources and climate. and human, food and water security.
This came in the words of Ambassador Jamal Al-Ruwaie, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United Nations in New York, during an open discussion of the UN Security Council on the topic “Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict”.
The annual open debate, chaired by Swiss President Alain Berset, focused on “Ensuring the security and dignity of civilians in conflict situations: addressing food insecurity and protecting basic services.”
In his speech before the session, Ambassador Al-Ruwaie indicated that the ongoing conflicts around the world are the main factor for the high levels of food insecurity, noting that conflicts usually lead to the destruction or disruption of civil infrastructure and basic services for livelihoods and displacement. of people, impeding their access to humanitarian aid.
He added that the high prices of food, fuel and fertilizers and the effects of climate change increase the humanitarian needs of those affected.
The Permanent Representative to the United Nations also affirmed that Bahrain welcomed the extension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative for an additional two months, as a step that would contribute to reconciling global food security, expressing the Kingdom’s appreciation for the efforts made by the United Nations and Turkey. Extension of this agreement and its support for international efforts to resolve the Russian-Ukrainian crisis by peaceful means, in accordance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations.
Ambassador Jamal Al-Ruwaie also said that the Kingdom welcomed the signing of the Jeddah Declaration of Commitment to Protect Civilians in Sudan by representatives of the Sudanese Armed Forces and representatives of the Rapid Support Forces, as both sides pledged to protect civilians. Facilitate their movement and access to humanitarian and medical aid, in accordance with the provisions of international humanitarian law and international human rights law.
He pointed out that Bahrain praised the continuous efforts made by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America to resolve the Sudanese crisis through peaceful dialogue, indicating that the Kingdom is aware of the importance of preventive measures and readiness in protecting basic civil infrastructure, personnel and tools such as those. related to the production and distribution of food, water, sanitation, energy and health care.
He called on the international community to continue clarifying internationally recognized standards that define the obligations of parties to armed conflicts with regard to protecting basic civilian infrastructure, individuals and objects, in addition to supporting countries affected by conflicts to enable them to build. Flexibility to meet various challenges.
He also stressed the need to enhance dialogue and negotiations between the warring parties to ease tensions and resolve differences, on the one hand, and to encourage armed parties to respect international humanitarian laws, and to ensure safe, sustainable and unimpeded access for humanitarian actors, on the other.
He renewed Bahrain’s support for initiatives aimed at protecting civilians and limiting the effects of armed conflict on their lives, through the development of preventive measures, in order to ensure the survival, security and dignity of the civilian population during armed conflict, and in a manner. To meet the aspirations of the peoples of the world for security, peace, stability and development.
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