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President,

 

I would like to thank Mozambique Presidency for organizing this important and timely debate, which is not only commemorative, although we commemorate two important anniversaries – 25th of SCR on Protection of Civilians and 75th of Geneva Conventions, - but also very relevant.

 

I also would like to thank the distinguished briefers for their most informative remarks.

 

We find information submitted in this year's report from the Secretary-General on Protection of civilians in armed conflict most concerning. Regrettably it is rather a report on our failure as international community to ensure such protection.

 

As stated in the report, throughout last year hundreds of thousands of civilians were killed and injured due to deliberate and indiscriminate attacks, and that amounts to 72 percent increase of civilian deaths if compared to 2022.

 

Journalists were among those targeted in military conflicts. This March we commemorated two years since Lithuanian documentary filmmaker Mantas Kvedaravicius was murdered by Russia’s troops in occupied Mariupol. 

 

 As co-chair of the Group of Friends for the Protection of Journalists Lithuania strongly condemns targeting of journalists and media workers, who are considered civilians under international humanitarian law. It is essential that thorough and independent investigations clarify the circumstances of these incidents as soon as possible, and that those responsible are identified and brought to justice. 

 

President,

 

Last year, on October 7th the cruel terrorist attack by Hamas against Israel has resulted in multiple civilian deaths and destruction of civilian infrastructure. Also, as it is stated in Secretary General report, hostilities in Gaza led to destruction and disablement of 23 hospitals and 56 healthcare centers, 11 bakeries and 370 educational facilities.

 

Lithuania condemns, in the strongest possible terms, Hamas' brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks across Israel. We urge Hamas to release all hostages and ensure their protection. All alleged violations must be investigated without further delay. Perpetrators must be brought to justice. We also call on implementation of the UN SC resolutions regarding humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza and ensuring humanitarian access.

 

We also note with concern worsening humanitarian situation in conflict areas in Africa, particularly Sahel region and Sudan where ongoing hostilities contributed to acute food insecurity. I would like to reiterate the call by the Secretary General on all relevant stakeholders to take necessary steps, including free movement of food supplies, fuel and ensuring safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access. On its part Lithuania will continue to provide support to OCHA Central Emergency Response Fund.

 

This February we also commemorated second year of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the ongoing war where Russia is increasingly targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure. Last year in Ukraine 103 medical facilities and 294 educational institutions were destroyed or damaged. The flooding due to destruction of Kakhovka Dam disrupted water and sanitation services for one million people. Also, during last year 18 medical facilities were destroyed and 85 damaged.

 

It is important to note that this is being perpetrated by the Permanent member of Security Council that 25 years ago adopted resolution 1265 (on Protection of Civilians in the Armed Conflict) which we commemorate today.

 

President,

 

Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine has led to widespread death and suffering. There are thousands of recorded instances of torture, inhumane treatment and sexual violence, vast destruction of residential buildings and critical infrastructure across the country, as well as immense economic losses.

 

The illegal deportation of the Ukrainian children to Russia, Belarus, their separation from the families, illegal adoption, assigning them new identities by issuing Russian passports is another part of the genocidal attempt by the Russian Federation to erase the Ukrainian identity. The ICC arrest warrants issued for Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova for their complicity to the crimes against Ukrainian children should be seen as the first step in ensuring accountability.

 

Last year the establishment of the Register of Damage for Ukraine was a significant international effort towards a mechanism that will ensure justice and compensation for Ukraine and its people. We welcome the official opening in April of the claims’ submission process for compensation for damage, loss, or injury caused by Russian aggression against Ukraine.

 

Russia must be held accountable for its atrocities that it is continuing to perpetrate in Ukraine, including numerous war crimes and crime of aggression. Regarding the latter, Lithuania has been constantly advocating for the establishment of an international Special Tribunal for the aggression against Ukraine. This judicial mechanism should allow for the prosecution also of the most senior leadership of aggressor State.

 

The scale of international crimes committed in Ukraine by Russia require constant and meticulous attention and resolute coordinated legal actions of the entire international community. Further steps to achieve this, particularly regarding the crime of aggression, were discussed during the 9th meeting of the Core Group on establishment of the Special Tribunal to prosecute the crime of aggression against Ukraine, that took place on 10 of May in Vilnius, Lithuania.

 

President,

 

Lithuania fully supports Secretary General’s call to strengthen the protection of civilians as it is reflected in the Policy Brief on a New Agenda for Peace. This also should include upholding Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols aimed at protecting the people not taking part in hostilities.

 

Lithuania also supports efforts aimed at strengthening the resilience of the UN Peacekeepers, including measures to address the disinformation and other forms of malign influence, such as increased involvement of mercenaries and private military and security companies in violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.

 

We commend all efforts by the UN, its agencies and other international actors aimed at ensuring sanctity and the respect of the life of all non-combatants and ensuring full adherence to the principles of international humanitarian law. Collectively we should and need to do more, particularly in the current context of the ever-changing nature and methods of war, as rightly mentioned in the note of the Presidency.

 

I thank you.