Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Thank you Foreign Minister.
I acknowledge the briefers and the bravery of humanitarian workers around the world.
Protection of civilians in armed conflict is one of the most important themes on the Council’s agenda. 2024 was one of the most brutal years in recent history for civilians in conflict, particularly for humanitarian workers, healthcare workers and children.
Our news feeds were flooded with stories of affected civilians in conflict zones, from Gaza to Sudan and Ukraine to Myanmar.
OHCHR and OCHA have documented a 46% increase in civilian casualties in Ukraine in April 2025, and widespread attacks on civilians in Sudan, many of whom are women and children. In Gaza, the toll on civilians from military action and the restrictions on humanitarian access has been catastrophic.
This terrible trend is unacceptable. It must be reversed.
To this end, New Zealand would like to make two key points.
Firstly, international law is an essential basis for the maintenance of peace and security.
The idea of universal rules, and of doing the right thing, has long been at the centre of New Zealand’s national identity and how we act in the world.
The Geneva Conventions, alongside the UN Charter, are amongst the most important accomplishments of diplomacy and international law.
As a small country, New Zealand places immense importance on the rules-based international system, with the UN Charter and its peace and security rules at its core.
Protection of civilians is also a core component of this Council’s mandate. We need greater determination from all Council members to discharge your responsibility to maintain international peace and security. You must avail yourselves of all the possible tools to prevent conflict, defend fundamental international norms, and seek negotiated political solutions.
Secondly, we need all Member States to demand and demonstrate universal compliance with international law.
The erosion of international rules must not be allowed to continue. The rules that protect civilians must not become rhetorical commitments.
Countries need to reflect the strength of the Geneva Conventions, the UN Charter and international human rights treaties in their statements and, more importantly, through their actions.
New Zealand has played its part.
New Zealand co-penned the adoption of Council resolution 2286, responding to the escalation of attacks against medical facilities and personnel.
We played an active role in the drafting of the Convention on Cluster Munitions and the Political Declaration on Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas, both of which have the protection of civilians at their core.
New Zealand is an active participant in the ICRC’s Global Initiative to Galvanise Political Commitment to International Humanitarian Law.
Be assured, New Zealand will continue to demand respect for international law in our increasingly fractious world.
Thank you.