Statement by the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Alexis Vafeades, at the Security Council High Level Open Debate

“Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict”

Mr President,

Thank you for convening this timely debate on a matter of urgent moral and legal significance: the protection of civilians in armed conflicts. We also extend our appreciation to the briefers for their insightful remarks.

Cyprus fully aligns with the statement delivered by the European Union (EU) and I wish to add the following remarks in my national capacity.

Despite the commitment made 80 years ago with the adoption of the United Nations (UN) Charter “to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war,” grave violations of international humanitarian and human rights law persist across the globe – in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Civilians and civilian infrastructure are increasingly under attack. Women, children, humanitarian workers, medical personnel, journalists, and UN staff are disproportionately affected. Forced displacement is rising, property rights are violated, and the number of missing persons continues to grow. Cyprus, having experienced foreign aggression firsthand, deeply understands the human cost of such suffering.

Mr President,

This worsening situation demands renewed commitment to international law and the UN Charter – not just in principle, but in action. The Security Council must use every tool available to ensure the protection of civilians. In this regard, 2025 offers several key opportunities to reaffirm our shared responsibilities.

First, we mark 20 years since the World Summit Outcome Document reaffirmed our collective responsibility to protect populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity. We welcome the continued reflection of this principle in resolutions of the Security Council, the General Assembly, and the Human Rights Council. But more must be done: early warning capabilities and concrete support for states are essential to upholding this responsibility.

Second, we recall two landmark Security Council Resolutions: 1325 on Women, Peace and Security adopted 25 years ago, and 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security adopted 10 years ago. These frameworks underscore the need for all-inclusive approaches to conflict prevention, resolution, and peacebuilding. Sustainable peace is only possible when all civilians are protected and involved in peace processes.

Third, we must not overlook the humanitarian dimension of missing persons. International cooperation must be strengthened to address this issue, especially in protracted situations where the fate of the missing has remained unknown for decades – as is the case in Cyprus. We urge the Council to build on Resolution 2474 (2019) by incorporating stronger and more consistent provisions in its future Resolutions – particularly in protracted situations where the fate and whereabouts of missing persons remain unknown, such as in Cyprus.

Fourth, the protection of humanitarian and UN personnel must remain a top priority. With 2024 the deadliest year on record for aid workers, we welcome the adoption of Resolution 2730 (2024) and call for its full implementation. Ensuring rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access in all conflict areas is essential.

In closing, we commend the vital work of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) around the world and express gratitude for the support it has also provided to the people of Cyprus. We would also like to extend our appreciation to the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, for exercising its decades-long humanitarian mandate in providing relief to the displaced, assisting in locating missing persons, and facilitating normal living conditions for the enclaved.

Mr President,

We firmly believe that all UN members must demonstrate genuine resolve in protecting civilians in armed conflicts and beyond. The Security Council must continue to fulfil its core mandate, entrusted to it by the members, while also improving its working methods and strengthening its relationship with the General Assembly, as agreed in the Pact for the Future.

Thank you

(SuP/MS/AS)

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