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Kuwait calls for protection of civilians in armed conflicts

KUWAIT, May 27 (KUNA) -- Kuwait called on importance of protecting civilians in armed conflicts and promote compliance with international law.
This came by Ambassador Mansour Al-Otaibi, Kuwait's permanent representative to the UN, in a written speech during an open virtual session of the Security Council Wednesday about protection of civilians in armed conflicts.
Al-Otaibi supported concrete measures tabled by member countries and relevant parties aimed at protection of civilians, particularly amidst spread of coronavirus, Covid-19.
"The meeting is held amidst unprecedented circumstances as the UN and the international community continue their global battle against the coronavirus pandemic, which poses a great threat to our wellbeing," he said.
The virus, he added, threatened security and safety of civilians in armed conflicts which increased importance of their protection more than ever.
Kuwait, said Al-Otaibi, has been supporting UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres' call for a ceasefire of armed conflicts around the world, in order to focus on the fight against the pandemic.
Kuwait is participating in today's session for the first time since its non-permanent 2018-19 UNSC membership ended last December, during which it so-drafted resolution 2417 regarding conflicts and hunger.
Kuwait, he added, also submitted resolution 2474 regarding missing people in armed conflicts. The resolution, he noted, was based on a painful experience many Kuwaiti people still suffered from. He was referring to many Kuwaiti citizens still missing since the 1990-91 Iraqi invasion and occupation of Kuwait.
Resolution 2474 is the first UNSC document specifically dealing with missing people in armed conflicts, calling for prosecuting people responsible for missing people and making sure international law and international humanitarian law were implemented, he said.
UN Secretary General's report about civilians' protection, said Al-Otaibi, was worrisome because there were large numbers of civilians killed and injured worldwide, in addition to rising number of displaced persons.
Kuwait calls for compliance with international law during armed conflicts, he said.
He added delivery of humanitarian aid was mainly hampered by armed conflicts and violence, urging UNSC member countries to convince warring parties to allow delivery of assistance for civilians.
The UNSC, said Al-Otaibi, should not veto draft resolutions related to delivery of relief supplies for people trapped withing armed conflicts.
It is important "we unite our collective efforts and rally the political will to improve protection of civilians amidst endless conflicts around the world, and we reaffirm the State of Kuwait's readiness to support these efforts," he said. (end) asf.bs