UAE joins global call to protect civilians in armed conflict at UN

The UAE has joined 80 countries in urging stronger protection for civilians in armed conflicts, following a UN Security Council debate on rising violations of international humanitarian law.

The joint statement stressed that protecting civilians is a legal obligation and called on all parties to conflicts to comply fully with international law.

In a post on social media platform X, the UAE Mission to the UN emphasised the need for full compliance with these principles - without exception and in all circumstances.

Today, the UAE 🇦🇪 was among 80 countries that joined the @GRUN_NY 🇬🇷 SC Presidency's joint stakeout on protecting civilians and upholding international humanitarian law in armed conflict.

The protection of civilians is not optional.

We call upon all warring parties to respect… pic.twitter.com/3WLEteHxTZ

— UAE Mission to the UN (@UAEMissionToUN) May 22, 2025

The move follows warnings from UN officials and humanitarian leaders that the legal framework meant to safeguard civilians is under attack. They cautioned that without enforcement, civilian suffering will continue to rise.

So far in 2024, more than 36,000 civilians have been killed across 14 conflicts — making it the deadliest year on record for humanitarian workers, according to the UN.

“Let us be remembered not for the warnings we gave, but for the action we took,” said UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths.