NextGen Day

The Philippines firmly supports measures to protect civilians in metropolitan areas during wars or conflicts, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

Among the measures is rigorous respect to international humanitarian law, the use of responsible military operations, and the provision of humanitarian aid based on the concept of impartiality.

Last January 26, the Philippines expressed their support at the United Nations Security Council High-Level Open Debate on “War in Cities: Protection of Civilians in Urban Settings.”

When war and conflict erupt in cities, civilians are the ones who suffer the most, according to Philippine Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ariel Penaranda, emphasizing the importance of making “right tactical choices in the context of long-term political solutions.”

He highlighted the importance of upholding international humanitarian law in all situations.

He said this as he mentioned Philippine regulations that show the country’s strong commitment to the Geneva Conventions and its Additional Protocols.

In light of highly volatile and complex urban warfare, he stated that parties must take a more proactive approach to responsible military operations in urban environments.

“The decision to use certain weapons to obtain a military advantage must thoroughly consider local laws as well as international legal duties,” he said.

“The deployment of modern armament systems, combined with a strong focus on humanitarian aid, all while adhering to domestic and international norms and respecting sovereignty, would allow states to better protect civilians during the armed conflict in urban environments,” he added.

The Security Council, which is chaired by Norway, called the open debate.

‘Strategic priority’ is a phrase used to describe something that is important.

“Effective protection of civilians and civilian objects must be made a strategic priority in the planning and conduct of military operations in urban areas,” said Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre, who presided over the conference.

He went on to say that guaranteeing the safety of civilians will lead to more long-term peace following a conflict.

According to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the conflict inside cities is affecting more than 50 million people. In fact, when explosive weapons are employed in these locations, almost 90% of the injured and killed are not combatants.

Guterres cited the 2021 Gaza conflict between Israel and Hamas terrorists as an example of how almost 800,000 people were left without access to piped water.

Last May, an explosive device detonated outside a Kabul high school, killing 90 students, mostly females, and injuring 240 others.

According to Guterres, this form of conflict has far-reaching consequences that include sieges and blockades, as well as starvation.

“Urban conflict drives millions of people out of their homes, resulting in record numbers of refugees and internally displaced persons,” he stated.

In 1999, the Security Council designated civilian protection in armed conflict as a thematic topic.

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