protection of the environment in areas affected by armed conflict uk

This year’s Secretary-General’s Protection of Civilians (POC) report and the Security Council’s Open Debate brings a strong focus on conflict and hunger. Civilians are facing extreme levels of humanitarian need, displacement, and food insecurity, with a disproportionate impact on women and girls, people with disabilities, older people, and other potentially marginalised groups. Today, 2 billion people - a quarter of humanity - live in places affected by conflict, as conflicts themselves are not only more numerous, but increasing in duration, lethality, and size. We set out recommendations that Member States can action immediately to save lives and invest in solutions that build food security, stability and peace.Ĭivilians are increasingly shouldering the burden of conflicts around the world. Ahead of the UN Security Council’s annual Open Debate on the Protection of Civilians on, the undersigned international NGOs urge UN Member States to address three critical issues: 1) recognize the wide-ranging and long-lasting impact of conflict and hunger on civilians, including the disproportionate impact on marginalized groups 2) take measures to prevent civilian harm during conflict, implement UNSCR 2417, and ensure accountability for violations of international humanitarian law and 3) address the climate-conflict-peace nexus.

Protection of the environment in areas affected by armed conflict uk