NEW YORK: Kuwait
has urged all parties to abide by and respect their obligations under
international humanitarian law (IHL). This came in a speech by Kuwait's
Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Mansour Al-Otaibi at
a UN Security Council (UNSC) meeting held on Tuesday evening about encouraging
and strengthening IHL. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the 1949 Geneva
Conventions, which resulted in the aftermath of the most devastating war in
humanity, the Second World War (WW2), when the UN was founded as a result of
its effects and losses and to prevent another devastating war, he said. The
scale of violence and suffering witnessed in different conflict zones around the world
over the past decades is no less than the amount of
violence and suffering that the world witnessed in WW2 74 years ago, he added.

Strengthening the
rule of law, especially IHL, is highly vital, Otaibi pointed out, noting that
the four Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols provide the legal
framework for the protection of human beings during wars and armed conflicts.
The world is still witnessing neglect and flagrant disregard for the
implementation of the provisions of these agreements in recent times, he
warned.

Otaibi reviewed
examples of disregard, such as what is happening in the occupied Palestinian
territories, Syria and the Rohingya minority in Myanmar. The fundamental answer
is by strengthening the rule of law and respecting humanitarian principles
during armed conflict, but the question is how can it be achieved. UNSC has a
vital and pivotal role in ensuring compliance with IHL and strengthening the
rule of law by ensuring the full implementation of relevant Security Council
resolutions, particularly in the context of the protection of civilians and
compliance by parties to the conflict and international organizations operating
in the field, he noted.

Otaibi underlined
the responsibility of the UN Peacekeeping forces to protect civilians within
their mandate, providing security for the camps of the displaced, medical
evacuation of the wounded and strengthening the capabilities of the national
police to carry out responsibilities. He also stressed ensuring accountability
for war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity, guaranteeing that those
responsible for targeting civilians will be held accountable.

Otaibi said
sanctions could play an important role in ensuring that those responsible for
violations of IHL and international human rights law are held accountable if
used in an effective manner. He said member states should apply the existing
international laws more fully through specific practical and operational
measures, while no one can deny different national priorities and policies.

It is often
difficult to coordinate all positions uniformly but this should not in any way
affect obligations and responsibilities under international law, especially in
the humanitarian field, the provision of humanitarian assistance and allowing
unhindered access to the needy, he said. He renewed the call not to use the
veto to block international humanitarian convoys from reaching the needy,
pointing out the possibility of redoubling efforts at the bilateral level,
especially through the exchange of experiences and best practices between
countries. - KUNA