Statement / by the President of the Security Council

Statement [made on behalf of the Security Council, at the 6066th meeting, 14 Jan. 2009, in connection with the Council's consideration of the item entitled "Protection of civilians in armed conflict"]

Reaffirms its commitment to the full and effective implementation of its resolutions on the protection of civilians in armed conflict and recalls previous statements on the issue made by its President; remains committed to addressing the impact of armed conflict on civilians; expresses its deepest concern that civilians continue to account for the majority of victims of acts of violence committed by parties to armed conflicts; condemns all violations of international law, including international humanitarian law, human rights law and refugee law, committed against civilians in situations of armed conflict; recognizes the needs of civilians under foreign occupation and stresses further, in this regard, the responsibilities of the occupying Power; condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, however and by whomever committed; reiterates the importance of the Aide Memoire as a practical tool that provides a basis for improved analysis and diagnosis of key protection issues, particularly during deliberations on peacekeeping mandates, and stresses the need to implement the approaches set out therein on a more regular and consistent basis, taking into account the particular circumstances of each conflict situation, and undertakes to remain actively seized of the matter.

35 p. : table

"Annex: Protection of civilians in armed conflict : Aide Memoire for the consideration of issues pertaining to the protection of civilians in armed conflict": p. 3-35.