Geneva:Ambassador Abdullah Abdullatif Abdullah, Bahrain's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office and other International Organisations in Geneva, delivered a joint statement on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the European Union (EU) concerning the Global Initiative to Strengthen Political Commitment to International Humanitarian Law.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the statement praised the progress achieved through the initiative, noting the broad participation of states and the constructive dialogue across its various workstreams. It underscored the significance of this state-led process in renewing commitment to international humanitarian law and enhancing its implementation, aiding in the protection of lives, alleviating human suffering, and preserving human dignity.
The statement further affirmed that the protection of civilians and civilian objects is a fundamental obligation under international humanitarian law. It emphasized the necessity of considering the specific needs of women, children, older persons, and persons with disabilities while protecting civilian infrastructure, including water, desalination facilities, and sanitation systems, in line with international humanitarian law principles.
Additionally, the statement stressed the importance of ensuring the rapid and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance to civilians in need, along with respecting and protecting humanitarian and medical personnel to enable them to perform their duties safely.
The role of humanitarian diplomacy, dialogue, and mediation in supporting de-escalation, strengthening respect for international humanitarian law, and creating conditions for peaceful conflict resolutions was also highlighted in the statement.
In conclusion, the GCC and the EU reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening respect for international humanitarian law. They also expressed anticipation for the high-level meeting scheduled to occur in Amman later this year and called on states to join the initiative.