Security Council Open Debate: Protection of Civilians and Health

Statement by Ambassador Michael Grant, Deputy Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations

New York, May 25, 2017

Madam/Mister President,

As we consider today the suffering of civilians harmed and displaced by conflict, we wish to use this occasion to first underline the urgency of helping the more than 20 million people facing famine, in large part because of unchecked conflict and restrictions on humanitarian access.

Canada applauds the Council for having passed Resolution 2286 last year, which demanded that all parties to armed conflicts fully comply with their obligations to ensure the respect and protection of all medical personnel, and to facilitate safe and unimpeded passage for medical personnel and supplies.

That leadership is essential, and the Council found wide support from the international community. More than 80 states, including Canada, co-sponsored the resolution, demonstrating that this is an issue that resonates deeply.

Today, we face the grim reality that attacks on medical facilities are so commonplace in some conflicts that hospitals must be fortified to protect them from bombs and shelling. Indeed, hospitals have had to be moved underground, even to be carved into caves, to escape repeated bombardments.

Moreover, when civilians are violently, purposefully deprived of healthcare that is vital for their survival and the survival of their communities, it undermines all of our efforts to protect civilians under threat.

We also acknowledge that this constant violence poses an additional global threat: that of complacency. We run the risk, indeed in the global refugee crisis we have seen the consequences, of people losing hope. Reinforcing our well-established norms requires determined leadership.

Canada is acting in the following ways.

First, we are proud to co-chair, with Switzerland, an Informal Group of States based in Geneva to promote the implementation of UNSCR 2286. This group provides States an opportunity to collaborate on advocacy and to promote best practices.

Second, we are persistent in our condemnation of attacks targeting civilians, medical personnel and healthcare facilities. Last fall, Canada worked in the UN General Assembly to focus attention on the critical situation in Syria, including by leading on a UN resolution adopted on December 9, which condemned attacks against civilians, humanitarian and medical personnel. We call upon this Council to clearly condemn direct and indiscriminate attacks and to continue to demand that parties to conflict comply with their obligations.

Third, Canada is fully committed to ensuring that the perpetrators of such crimes, and those who do not respect international law, are held accountable. For instance, in the context of Syria, Canada is supporting and funding evidence collection and documentation efforts.

Fourth, Canada’s obligations under international humanitarian law are embedded in Canadian Armed Forces doctrine and pre-deployment training, which we believe is a crucial step states must undertake. We urge countries to examine their national legislative frameworks and to consider signing relevant international treaties and guidelines that would enhance the protection of civilians, including the Arms Trade Treaty, to which Canada is currently in the process of acceding. Canada has also recently endorsed the Safe Schools Declaration, reaffirming our commitment to protect children affected by armed conflict.

Madam/Mister President,

Member States, and this Council, must address persistent violations of international humanitarian law and end the pervasive climate of impunity.  This Council has important tools for ensuring accountability and must use them more consistently. We encourage all Member States to consider the Secretary General’s positive recommendations.  Canada will continue to lead efforts to enhance the protection of civilians.