08.04.2026 Statement for the open briefing on the protection of UN and Humanitarian Personnel

Checked Against Delivery

Thank you, Mr. President.

I also thank Under-Secretary-General Fletcher and Under-Secretary-General Michaud as well as the Permanent Observe of the ICRC for their detailed briefings on this topic. One which lies at the very heart of this Council’s work and responsibility. I also welcome the Permanent Representative of Switzerland to this meeting.

Mr. President,

As we have just heard, attacks against UN and humanitarian personnel are on the rise. Whether by bullet, bomb, or drone, such assaults are a criminal affront to each of us as members of the United Nations—and in particular, to this Council.

Since the adoption of this resolution two years ago, we have continued to witness staggering levels of violence against UN and humanitarian personnel, from Haiti to Ukraine and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Over the past twelve months alone, we have seen the bombing of multiple WFP humanitarian convoys and medical facilities in Sudan. In December, we also witnessed the lethal drone attack on a UNISFA logistics base in Kadugli.

In Lebanon, dozens of humanitarian personnel and first responders have been killed amid the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.

The WHO has reported so far that 53 health workers have been killed, 147 injured and 16 hospitals damaged, a likely under count. Only last week, this Council met urgently to address the deaths of three peacekeepers in the country’s south.

Denmark condemns all attacks directed at civilians and civilian infrastructure, including first responders and health care personnel in line with resolution 2286.

In Gaza, multiple violations of the October 2025 ceasefire continue to be reported. Dozens of aid workers have been killed in the Occupied Palestinian Territory since the start of the year. Obstruction of UN and humanitarian personnel persists as principled humanitarian actors are being prohibited in saving lives through denied access.

Emerging technologies, such as automated weapons systems, drones, and AI-enabled decision-support tools, represent new challenges - and potential tools - to ensuring the protection of UN and humanitarian personnel in accordance with international humanitarian law. This must also be factored into our discussions.

Mr. President,

Against this backdrop, I wish to make three points.

First, as we have said before: tolerance signals acceptance. In the absence of clear and consistent condemnations, we effectively set the price paid by the perpetrators for such attacks at zero. Systematic condemnations from this Council are a crucial first step toward reversing this trend as we heard this morning also from Under-Secretary General Michaud.

Second, these attacks are not only carried out by militias or non‑state armed groups; they are also perpetrated by state actors, by members of this Organisation. This reality must not only prompt serious discussions, but also action towards ensuring compliance and holding perpetrators accountable.

Third, Member States can and should make better use of existing tools to uphold international law and ensure accountability. Whether through this Council, including its sanctions regimes, or where this body is deadlocked through the General Assembly, as well as national initiatives such as the exercise of universal jurisdiction. Only when perpetrators face real consequences, and when Member States take genuine action, will we begin to deter such behaviour.

Mr. President, in closing,

Our shared multilateral system cannot and should not endure the strain imposed by the blatant disregard for international humanitarian law. This is not only about safeguarding our institutions. It is about protecting the best of us—the UN humanitarian personnel who stand in the frontlines, day in day out, delivering aid and saving lives.

Only by acting together toward this objective can we fulfil the vision of Resolution 2730.

Thank you.