UNSC Arria-Formula Meeting on

“Humanitarian Action: Overcoming Challenges in situations of

Armed Conflict and Counter-Terrorism Operations”

(11 August 2021; 1000 hrs EST)

INDIA STATEMENT

By

Ambassador R. Ravindra 

Deputy Permanent Representative - Political Coordinator

Thank you, Ambassador,

At the outset, let me begin by thanking the delegation of Kenya for organizing this meeting. We also commend the initiatives of Kenya, on counter-terrorism related issues. In the context of humanitarian action and counter-terrorism operations we appreciate views of Kenya on protection of humanitarian space made during the Security Council meeting last month. I also take this opportunity to thank the briefers for sharing their insights on this topic.

2. Today, we witness humanitarian crises arising out of armed conflicts in every continent of the world. Unfortunately, civilians remain the primary victims of such crises. However, there is an untoward tendency to take a unidimensional approach towards armed conflicts. They are seen simply as a struggle between the State and others for political power. The role of non-state actors in worsening such crises is often overlooked.

3. There are examples where armed conflicts are being exploited by foreign players for their political gains, thereby giving a handle to terrorist groups to take advantage of the situation. Terrorist groups exploit vulnerable populations in armed conflict situations to advance their ulterior designs. These include obstructing humanitarian assistance, holding the innocent civilian population hostage, and delegitimizing the State machinery. In some cases, civilians are even used as human shield by terrorists. While dealing with terrorists, we need to be extremely cautious and avoid actions that may strengthen the hands of those preferring violence or terror to democratic, political means to achieve their ends.

4. In this context, I have the following observations to make:

• We firmly believe that the primary responsibility for providing protection and assistance in a humanitarian crisis lies with the country concerned. The international humanitarian assistance must be provided impartially, in accordance with the guiding principles mentioned in the General Assembly resolution 46/182 and other relevant resolutions.

• Respect for principles of the UN Charter, including sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of Member States, should remain the basis for all humanitarian action taken by the Council. The Council must avoid politicization of humanitarian work and of humanitarian actors involved in conflict.

• International humanitarian agencies must work in close coordination with relevant national authorities. National authorities must be assisted in developing capabilities and capacities to strengthen their national legal and institutional frameworks and structures to deal with humanitarian crises and also to investigate and prosecute the violators of international humanitarian law.

• We believe that sanction measures should have wider regional and international support, in the absence of which, they may lead to further deterioration of the humanitarian crisis. The humanitarian carve-outs provided for in Council resolutions, should not be misused.

• Adverse impacts of attacks by terrorist groups on humanitarian agencies, including humanitarian personnel, remains a matter of serious concern. Strong and effective counter terrorism measures at the national, regional and international levels are imperative to tackle the menace of terrorism. There can be no compromise while dealing with terrorism. Further, humanitarian action should not contradict the objective of counter-terror operations. Humanitarian agencies must be transparent and cooperate with security agencies pursing counter-terrorism operations.

5. To conclude, we need to work together to preserve the global humanitarian space and prevent its misuse. India remains committed to working with the international community to address global humanitarian challenges in an effective and comprehensive manner.

I thank you.

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