The United Nations Security Council has approved a resolution condemning attacks on humanitarian workers and U.N. personnel and demanding that all combatants protect them in accordance with international law. The Swiss-sponsored resolution received strong support with 97 co-sponsors and was passed by a vote of 14-0, with Russia abstaining. The resolution aims to protect the men and women working as humanitarians and for the United Nations who are risking their lives to help people affected by armed conflict.
The resolution was driven by the increase in violence and attacks against humanitarian and U.N. personnel worldwide. In 2023, more than 250 humanitarian personnel lost their lives, and hundreds were wounded or deprived of their liberty. The resolution does not single out any specific conflict but is being voted on as battles continue in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, Myanmar, and other hotspots around the world. The ongoing seven-month war in Gaza has seen the highest number of attacks on U.N. and humanitarian personnel, with over 190 U.N. staff killed, marking an unprecedented death toll in the organization’s history.
The resolution is timely as it coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, which are considered the cornerstone of international humanitarian law. The text calls on all countries to respect and protect humanitarian and U.N. personnel as required by international law and urges combatants to adhere to the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution in the conduct of hostilities. The resolution strongly condemns attacks, violence, sexual and gender-based violence, threats, and intimidation against humanitarian and U.N. personnel, emphasizing the importance of protecting civilians and facilitating humanitarian access.
Russia’s abstention from the vote was attributed to Western pressure, with Moscow claiming that certain changes it wanted in the resolution were not included. Despite this, the resolution aims to hold those who violate international law accountable and promote the safety and security of humanitarian and U.N. staff. It also condemns disinformation and incitement to violence against humanitarian workers and urges action to address these threats. The resolution expresses the Security Council’s determination to take steps to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian and U.N. staff, with the U.N. Secretary-General expected to make recommendations within six months on measures to prevent attacks and enhance protection.
