22.05.2025 Statement by Denmark at the Annual Briefing on the Protection of Civilians in Conflict
Checked Against Delivery
Thank you, Mr. President, and I thank Greece for organising this very important debate.
I would also like to thank USG Fletcher, USG Bahous, ICRC President Spoljaric, and CEO of Save the Children, Soeripto, for their clear and sobering briefings which really should be a wake-up call to us all.
Mr. President, in 2025, civilians in conflict find themselves at the intersection of unchecked impunity, fast‑moving technologies, and waning global attention. The proliferation of conflict, climate disaster, hunger, and economic shocks has amplified violence, while cuts in funding have severely limited the humanitarian system’s ability to respond at a time when it’s most needed.
From Haiti to the DRC, Ukraine to Myanmar, longstanding impunity for violations of international law has eroded the humanitarian and protection system built with the founding of the United Nations. This is something several of our briefers have pointed out here today.
Multilateral values are clearly under pressure. Disinformation recasts victims as perpetrators and perpetrators as victims. Meanwhile, cheap but powerful weapons lower the threshold for violence and are used to dampen dissent and protest worldwide.
Put simply, impunity has pushed our system to the breaking point. The system, we collectively have worked so hard to establish and nourish for the past 80 years.
Mr. President,
We see the direct consequences of this in Gaza. Nineteen months of devastation, and now eleven weeks of a complete humanitarian blockade, has pushed more than 2 million into a critical risk of famine. The humanitarian principles are also being forced out in order to make way for the privatization, deprivation, and militarization of aid.
Denmark reiterates it’s call on Israel: allow for a full resumption of aid into Gaza immediately. Israel must enable the UN and humanitarian organizations to work in accordance with the humanitarian principles.
In Sudan, a similar pattern unfolds. A war with devastating impacts on millions of civilians, including widespread acts of sexual-and-gender-based violence on women and girls. Parties to the conflict dismiss verified famine warnings while arms, money, and fighters continue to flow across borders. External sponsors profess innocence, even as civilians starve. Bureaucratic and administrative impediments slow and often stall any meaningful response.
In Ukraine, civilians are not just caught up in the cross-fire, but have become a target themselves. So-called “double tap” strikes, deliberately target humanitarian and rescue services attempting to free survivors trapped under the rubble.
Mr. President,
If we are to reverse course and halt our multilateral system from reaching the point of no return, then we must return to upholding International Humanitarian Law, engage in peacebuilding, and ensure accountability. In this regard, allow me to make three points.
First, humanitarian action cannot be a substitute for inclusive and meaningful political settlement and peacebuilding efforts. If the Council does not work to address the root causes of war, millions of civilians will remain at risk.
From peace operations to the Secretary General’s good offices, we have the tools required to mediate and influence parties; ensuring far greater protection for civilians trapped in conflict all around the world. Collectively, we have the power to save lives, if it is backed by the political will to do so.
Second, autonomous and AI-enabled weapons require human oversight and human control in decision making. Responsibility and accountability cannot be delegated to machines.
We must ensure that the development and use of autonomous weapons is in full compliance with International Humanitarian Law, including the principle of distinction.
Third, accountability mechanisms are for use, not just for display.
While states’ bear the primary responsibility to protect its population from atrocities, the international community – and this Council – also has a collective responsibility to protect populations from such crimes.
International law must be applied consistently, and those who target civilians, aid convoys, aid workers, health facilities, or journalists must be held to account.
Mr. President,
Persisting impunity is a driver of new atrocities. We must ensure that those who perpetrate grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions – as well as other serious violations of the laws of armed conflict – are held accountable.
When national systems falter, international processes must step in and vice versa. Only a predictable, enforced system of accountability will deter future crimes.
If we fail on these fronts, it signals a green light to those who bomb hospitals, recruit children, perpetrate sexual-and gender-based violence, and weaponize hunger. And whilst our multilateral system may be down, it is certainly not out. A stronger, more cooperative future remains in our hands.
I thank you.