Addressing the council’s debate on the matter in New York on January 29, Vietnamese Ambassador Le Luong Minh also stressed the importance of the principles of ensuring humanitarian assistance to civilians and expressed his deep concern about the widespread violations of international humanitarian law by parties in conflicting areas, which have caused heavy losses in lives and property to civilians protected by the law.

He also affirmed that the best measures to protect civilians and other subjects of protection by international law is to prevent, peacefully resolve armed conflicts and eliminate mass destruction weapons, especially nuclear weapons.

“Convenient interpretations, double standards, selectivity and politicisation have been among the main hurdles preventing the very noble objectives of international humanitarian law from being respected and implemented,” he added.

Vietnam considers the notion of permissible civilian casualties on the part of any warring party as unacceptable, Minh said, adding that measures taken by the UNSC should focus on restoring peace, stability and the rule of law.