Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son hosts an in-person and online UNSC ministerial open debate on protection of objects indispensible to the survival of the civilian population, April 27, 2021 - Photo: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs

This is the first resolution spearheaded by Viet Nam as the current non-permanent member of the UNSC for the 2020-2021 tenure. 

The resolution strongly condemns attacks in situations of armed conflicts directed against civilians and other protected persons or civilian objects, and demands that all parties to armed conflict immediately put an end to such practices.

It demands that all parties refrain from attacking, destroying, removing or rendering useless objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population; and respecting and protecting humanitarian personnel and consignments used for humanitarian relief operations.

The same day, Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son chaired an in-person and online UNSC ministerial open debate on the protection of objects indispensible to the survival of the civilian population. 

Participants in the event included Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Mark Lowcock, former Australian Prime Minister and Chair of International Peace Institute (IPI) Board Kevin Rudd and Ministers and Deputy Ministers from 15 member countries of the UNSC. 

Delegates spoke highly of Viet Nam’s initiatives, highlighting the importance of ensuring the observation of the international humanitarian law, enhancing international cooperation and upholding the role of the UN in protecting civilians and essential infrastructure amid conflicts. 

As a nation severely ravaged by the war, Viet Nam called on relevant parties to abide by international law, including the international humanitarian law, and enhance people’s resilience to cope with challenges during and after conflicts, said FM Bui./.