UNITED NATIONS, May 27 (Xinhua)-- A Chinese envoy said Wednesday that all parties to a conflict must fulfill their obligations of protecting civilians under international law, while stressing that the global community must address the root causes of conflicts and promote development for peace.

"All parties to a conflict must fulfill their obligations of protecting civilians under international law. The Geneva Convention, International Humanitarian Law and relevant Security Council resolutions, in particular resolution 1265, and other resolutions concerning women, children, medical personnel and missing persons, must be fully implemented," Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, said at the Security Council's open video teleconferencing meeting on the protection of civilians in armed conflict.

"We urge all parties to a conflict to refrain from asymmetric use of force in densely populated areas. There should be zero tolerance of harming civilians. It is also critical for all parties to give special attention and care to vulnerable groups in particular women and children, and facilitate safe and unimpeded humanitarian access," said the ambassador.

Noting that the COVID-19 pandemic brings further risk to civilians in armed conflict, Zhang said that all parties should prioritize the interests of the people and take proactive measures to combat the virus.

"Unilateral sanctions severely undermine the capacity of vulnerable countries to respond to the pandemic, aggravating civilian sufferings. We call on relevant countries to lift unilateral sanctions immediately and join the global efforts of combating the virus, including by supporting the leading role of the World Health Organization," said the envoy.

The best approach to protect civilians is to address the root causes of conflicts and promote development for peace, according to the ambassador.

"In many cases, absolute poverty and hunger induce violence and conflicts, which in turn undermine development and worsen poverty and food insecurity. Only by addressing the root causes can we break this vicious circle," he noted.

"Sustainable and inclusive development is key to achieving long-term stability and sustaining peace. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development must be effectively implemented, with poverty eradication as the first priority," said Zhang.

"There are only 10 years left for us to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. It is time for action. China firmly supports the secretary-general's Decade of Action initiative, and calls on the international community to jointly pursue for innovative, coordinated, green, open and shared development," he said.

The Security Council should tirelessly prevent and peacefully resolve conflicts through political dialogue, mediation and negotiation. Preventing conflicts, reducing and resolving them by peaceful means are the most effective ways to protect civilians, Zhang said.

"At present, armed conflicts continue in some areas, resulting in a high number of civilian casualties. We urge all parties concerned to respond positively to the secretary-general's call for a global ceasefire, and move toward political settlement through inclusive dialogue," he said.

"The fundamental principles of international law, such as peaceful settlement of disputes, and the prohibition of the threat or use of force, must be upheld. Many of the prolonged conflicts are aftermath of violations to the UN Charter and other basic international law. For example, the people of Syria and Iraq have endured years of sufferings caused by the use of force unauthorized by the Security Council," he said.

"This should not happen again," the ambassador stressed.

National governments must bear the primary responsibility to protect their civilians, while UN peacekeeping operations should work closely with governments and follow strictly their mandate when fulfilling the responsibility to protect civilians, Zhang said.

"Any violation of international humanitarian law, such as threats or attacks against civilians in armed conflict, should be investigated and punished in accordance with the law," he said.

"The protection of civilians should not be politicized or used as an excuse for interference in internal affairs, even regime change. Those who invoke international law must submit themselves to it. The Security Council should adopt a consistent position in all situations on its agenda. Double standards or selective approach will only damage the authority of the Council," said Zhang. Enditem

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