Statement by the Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Sérgio França Danese, during the UN Security Council open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict - May 23rd, 2025

I thank Greece for organizing this debate and the speakers for their insights.

Last year, at this same meeting, we should have been celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions and 25 years of the protection of civilians on the Security Council's agenda, but our voices conveyed concern, frustration, and profound apprehension.

Unfortunately, the developments since then have confirmed the fear that our calls would go unheeded.

In 1945, in San Francisco, and in 1949, in Geneva, our predecessors established the foundations of a legal and moral order aimed at preventing the scourge of war.

These foundations appear to be crumbling.

We witness international humanitarian law being outright ignored and often instrumentalized. This includes overly permissive interpretations and neglect for precaution and proportionality, to whitewash violations thereof. Beyond their atrocious human costs, these violations undermine trust, political dialogue and conditions for peace.

We must ensure that we all abide, always, by our obligations under IHL.

Humanitarian protection must be guaranteed to all. No military objective, no historical grievance nor political aim can ever justify the deliberate targeting of civilians. Widespread attacks on any civilians, humanitarian personnel, healthcare workers, and journalists - as has been documented in the Gaza Strip and elsewhere - are abhorrent and unacceptable.

Advocacy is key to promote universal compliance with the rules of IHL. That is why, last year, Brazil, together with China, France, Jordan, Kazakhstan, South Africa and the International Committee of the Red Cross, launched the Global Initiative on IHL. We also joined Australia, Colombia, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Sierra Leone, Switzerland and the United Kingdom in a Ministerial Group dedicated to championing IHL and the protection of humanitarian workers. We invite all member states to join in those efforts.

The adoption of Resolution 2730 (2024) reaffirmed the international community's commitment to the protection of humanitarian and United Nations personnel. This landmark resolution responds to findings in the latest Secretary-General's report, which recorded more than tens of thousands civilian deaths and 360 humanitarian workers killed in 2024, the overwhelming majority of which, in both cases, in Gaza alone.

Perhaps most importantly, we must act in conformity with the general prohibition on the use of force in the UN Charter. We must always seek the peaceful settlement of our disputes, through instruments as those referred to in Chapter VI of the Charter.

Furthermore, it is essential not to neglect post-conflict needs. Greece was right in proposing a question on how the Peacebuilding Architecture can enhance the protection of civilians. Strengthening the Peacebuilding Architecture - as we are committed to do this year - can bring direct benefits to countries in post-conflict or in transition. The PBC and the PBF, if adequately equipped and financed, can better assist communities and promote locally-led projects, as requested by national governments, thereby making societies more resilient.

Thank you.