Mr. President,

We thank the Secretary-General for the comprehensive report prepared under this important agenda item.

After two decades since its adoption, scope and modalities of Responsibility to Protect (R2P) are still evolving and call for further refinement. The twentieth anniversary of the World Summit outcome provides a timely opportunity to advance a clearer, more widely accepted understanding of this concept.

We are gravely concerned by the unprecedented number of conflicts currently witnessed across the globe, as highlighted in the Secretary- General’s report. However, we must exercise caution against efforts to implement R2P in ways that reflect the changing realities of armed conflict. The lessons of past misapplications remain vivid. R2P must be grounded in the agreed elements of the 2005 World Summit outcome and should not be misused as a pretext for actions inconsistent with international law.

We support the aim of transforming R2P into a more effective, practicable, and just tool of international law. However, serious questions remain about whether the suggested pathways will resolve the persistent issues surrounding its applicability and ensure its consistent and lawful use.

In this regard, consistent terminology and avoidance of ambiguity are essential to build greater consensus among Member States. A more streamlined methodology for conceptual clarity would also contribute to advancing common ground. For example, unlike previous reports, the current one lacks precision in defining “atrocity crimes”—a gap that needs to be addressed going forward.

Mr. President,

Our world continues to witness grave human rights violations and humanitarian crises in many regions. Hate crimes, racism, xenophobia, hatred against Islam, and violence against women have reached alarming levels. These trends are in direct contradiction to the principles of human dignity, equality, and fundamental freedoms.

The international community must act collectively and decisively to counter these trends. In particular, the devastating impacts of armed conflict on women and girls demand greater international attention. Their equal and full participation in conflict prevention, resolution, peacebuilding, and peacekeeping must be an integral part of our efforts.

Furthermore, the legal definition of R2P must rest on the broadest possible consensus of the international community. As recent global developments continue to demonstrate, inconsistent responses to similar crises undermine trust and credibility. R2P is not, and must never become, a tool for interference in the internal affairs of States.

The existing international legal framework addressing the crime of genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity provide an authoritative basis for prevention and punishment. However, there remains a lack of a universally accepted legal definition of R2P. Beyond that, clear rules and procedures on how this norm should be applied must also be established. This effort must not seek to reinterpret or renegotiate established principles of international law, but rather to implement them in a legally sound and consistent manner. The responsibilities under R2P must be carefully calibrated.

Mr. President,

It is deeply regrettable that we continue to witness paralysis within the Security Council in fulfilling its primary responsibility to maintain international peace and security. This is again painfully evident in the case of Palestine. While people around the world expect the Council to act to stop the unacceptable and inhumane suffering of the Palestinian people, it cannot deliver its mandate.

Preserving the UN’s credibility and relevance requires urgent reform of the Council. The veto remains one of the most pressing issues to address.

Civilians’ access to humanitarian assistance is a fundamental right under international humanitarian law. The ongoing humanitarian catastrophe, worsened by Israel’s obstruction of aid, has reached unprecedented proportions. There has been no safe and significant aid delivered in Gaza for more than three months now. The only way to do it is through the UN. We call on all parties to facilitate sufficient, unhindered, safe, and rapid delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The international community must dedicate its full and unequivocal efforts to ending Palestinian suffering and achieving a two-state solution, in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions.

Mr. President,

Let me close by reiterating: the legal definition of R2P must rest on broad international consensus; its application must be principled and even-handed; and it must never become a vehicle for selective interventions or double standards.

We must work together to ensure that the UN remains an effective guardian of international peace and security—grounded in the rule of law and in the spirit of the Charter.

Thank you.