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Strengthening of international cooperation of mechanisms for investigation and identification of missing persons[/B], called for the UN Security Council by Cyprus' Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Andreas Hadjichrysanthou, noting at the same time that strong relevant provisions should be included in UNSC Resolutions regarding missing persons whose fate remains unknown for many decades, as in the case of Cyprus.
Hadjichrysanthou was speaking during an open debate of the body on "Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict" on Wednesday.
"The number of civilians who survive during armed conflict remains alarming despite the international obligations of states to protect them," he said.
As Hajichrysanthou pointed out, Cyprus has experienced these phenomena as a victim of aggression and is well aware of the impact it has on civilians as well as the effects it has on the unlawful use of violence.
Referring to the humanitarian issue of missing persons, Hajichrysanthou noted that "we need to strengthen international cooperation as well as to strengthen the mechanisms of investigation and identification."
He underlined the importance of the relevant UNSC Resolution 2474 of 2019 which should be properly utilized and also noted that strong relevant provisions should be included in Security Council Resolutions regarding missing persons whose fate remains unknown for many decades, as in the case of Cyprus.
Highlighting the latest report of the Secretary-General, the Ambassador stressed that the war in Ukraine is proof of the tragic impact on the civilian population. At the same time, he called on the Security Council to take a more active role to ensure that civilians have the right to return home, that their properties are respected and that there is no colonization of the areas they left behind.
The protection of the rights and freedoms of civilians and accountability for serious crimes and violations of international humanitarian law should be taken seriously by the Security Council, he stressed.
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