Mr. President,

The protection of civilians in armed conflict is a shared responsibility and a fundamental duty of the international community.

Yet, civilians remain the primary victims in armed conflicts. This is unacceptable and deeply alarming. Türkiye unequivocally condemns all deliberate attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, as well as the indiscriminate and excessive use of force.

We are also gravely concerned by the persistent use of starvation as a method of warfare and support all efforts aimed at addressing and preventing such grave violations of international humanitarian law.

Last year marked the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions—the cornerstones of international humanitarian law. Their full implementation is imperative. Respect for international humanitarian law is the bedrock of sustainable peace.

Accountability for violations is essential. Impunity undermines the very foundations of the international legal order. Perpetrators of serious breaches must be held to account through credible and impartial instruments.

Ensuring unhindered, safe, and timely humanitarian access in conflict zones is paramount. We call for enhanced protection for medical personnel and humanitarian workers, who are the lifeline for civilians trapped in crisis.

Mr. President,

Today, as we witness ongoing conflicts around the world, the imperative to uphold international humanitarian law remains as urgent as ever.

This principle is rooted in the painful lessons of the past. Between 1963 and 1974, Turkish Cypriots experienced a period marked by political exclusion, violence, displacement, and isolation. Atrocities committed against Turkish Cypriot civilians are well documented in UN archives. There are also a considerable number of Turkish Cypriots who went missing during this period. These experiences serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of failing to protect civilians.

Today, the situation in Gaza has reached a shocking level of human suffering. Civilians continue to endure indiscriminate attacks by Israel. Gaza’s population has been forcibly displaced and deliberately deprived of the essentials of life.

Just across the border, aid is stockpiling and ready to move. Yet, Israel deliberately prevents these from reaching their targets. This is unacceptable. Rapid, sufficient, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza is a must.

The conflict in Syria killed, maimed and displaced many people, including children. The fall of the Assad regime and the establishment of a transitional government marks a new era.
Türkiye always stood by the people of Syria in their just struggle, and we remain committed to supporting Syria’s territorial integrity, unity and the well-being of its people.

However, civilians continue to suffer due to widespread landmines and the ongoing threat posed by terrorist organizations such as the PKK's extensions in Syria (namely YPG/YPJ/SDF). The establishment of a unified national army and transitional justice mechanisms are essential for building peace and preventing the resurgence of violence.

Elsewhere in our region, we remain committed to peaceful and durable solutions in Libya, based on Libyan-led and Libyan-owned inclusive dialogue. In Iraq, our cooperation has gained new momentum, particularly in combating terrorism and ensuring regional stability.

Turning to Sudan, the humanitarian toll has reached catastrophic levels with millions of people displaced and thousands of civilian casualties. We call for urgent international attention and support to facilitate a durable ceasefire and ensure safe humanitarian corridors.

Since the onset of the war in Ukraine, Türkiye has pursued a principled and humanitarian approach. We facilitated direct talks and prisoner exchanges, and continue to support diplomatic initiatives toward a comprehensive ceasefire and a just peace.

Mr. President,

The erosion of respect for international humanitarian law has reached a critical point. We need to reaffirm our collective commitment to uphold the principles that protect innocent lives.

Türkiye stands ready to work with all partners to ensure that protection, human dignity, and peace triumph over destruction and despair.

Thank you.