Ahead of the UN Security Council’s annual Open Debate on the Protection of Civilians on 23 May 2023, the undersigned international NGOs urge UN Member States to address three critical issues: 1) recognize the wide-ranging and long-lasting impact of conflict and hunger on civilians, including the disproportionate impact on marginalized groups; 2) take measures to prevent civilian harm during conflict, implement UNSCR 2417, and ensure accountability for violations of international humanitarian law; and 3) address the climate-conflict-peace nexus. We set out recommendations that Member States can action immediately to save lives and invest in solutions that build food security, stability and peace.

See statement by members of the NGO Working Group on the Protection of Civilians here.