Vietnam ’s representative to the UNSC expressed deep concern about indiscriminate and excessive use of force against civilians, widespread attacks against civilian targets, and hindrances to humanitarian activity access of civilians in conflict areas.

At the UNSC open debate on protection of civilians in armed conflict, the third of its kind this year, in New York on Nov. 11, Ambassador Le Luong Minh condemned those inhumane actions and called for concerned parties to strictly adhere to their obligations to protect civilians in armed conflict in line with international humanitarian and human rights laws.

Emphasising States’ primary responsibility in protecting their population, the Vietnamese representative also stressed the important role played by the UN, regional organisations and international community in supporting and assisting States through mediation and humanitarian assistance.

He called for the enhancement of cooperation and the organisation of more dialogues between nations and among UN agencies in maximising the protection of civilians.

The ambassador underscored that the issue of protection of civilians in armed conflict should be approached from a holistic perspective and that protective measures for civilians can only work when their needs for subsistence, education, and healthcare are met.

Armed conflicts have made up to 40 million people around the work to seek refuge or become displaced./.