UNSC Open Debate on the Protection of Civilians in armed conflict
Statement delivered by H.E. Mr. Rein Tammsaar, Permanent Representative of Estonia to the UN
New York, 22 May 2025
President,
Estonia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union.
Today’s reality shows, in appalling and devastating ways, that despite the global consensus underpinning the Geneva Conventions, compliance with even the most basic aspects of IHL is shockingly insufficient in many armed conflicts across the world – Sudan, Myanmar, DRC, Haiti, Gaza, Ukraine and elsewhere. Key issues include disregard for distinction and proportionality principles, siege tactics in areas where there are civilians, political manipulation of IHL frameworks and restrictions of access for humanitarian actors. Women and girls, older persons, persons with disabilities and LGBT persons are among those disproportionally affected by the horrors of war. As co-chairs of the Good Humanitarian Donorship initiative, Estonia and the United Kingdom are focusing on the role of donors – what they can and should do to enhance compliance with IHL. Violation of IHL has become a deliberate war tactic. As a result, last year more humanitarian workers were killed than ever recorded.
President,
These basic principles continue to be violated in Gaza, where the devastating conflict is claiming a growing number of civilian lives. We deplore the breakdown of the ceasefire-hostage release agreement and call for its reinstatement. Since its breakdown, humanitarian aid was blocked from entering Gaza for over two months. We acknowledge indications of a limited restart of aid, but this is not enough. We urge Israel to lift all existing restrictions and allow the UN and humanitarian organizations to work independently and impartially, in order to save lives and reduce suffering. We urge Israel to investigate the serious incident on 21 May when the IDF opened fire during a diplomatic delegation’s visit to the Jenin refugee camp.
President,
Let me express our condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims of yesterday’s heinous shooting in Washington, where two Israeli diplomats were killed.
As a Co-Chair of the Media Freedom Coalition, we are concerned that 124 journalists – a record high number – were killed in 2024. One the recent horrifying cases is that of Viktoriia Roshchyna, a 27-year-old Ukrainian journalist, who was brutally tortured and murdered by Russian authorities. Attacks against journalists and other media workers on duty are a grave violation of international law. The perpetrators of these violations must not go unpunished. Women journalists face disproportionate risks, including sexual violence and technology-facilitated gender-based violence.
President.
We call, once again, on Russia to stop its war of aggression against Ukraine and agree to unconditional ceasefire. Despite the ongoing talks, Russia has not displayed any intent to end the war and has instead continued attacks on civilians and the use of explosive weapons in populated areas. Russia continues to conduct indiscriminate attacks without distinguishing between military and civilian objects. Considering the horrifying number of civilian casualties and damages, Russia fails to take any precautions as foreseen in international humanitarian law in order to avoid or minimize incidental civilian losses. Since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights has verified that more than 12,700 civilians have been killed and more than 30,000 have been injured. According to UNICEF, child casualties increased by 57% in 2024, compared to the year before. Systemic use of torture and ill-treatment, including sexual violence against civilians, is Russia´s deliberate war tactic. It is high time to increase international pressure on Russia to force it to peace in Ukraine.
President,
Estonia supports the humanitarian reset process led by ERC Tom Fletcher. It must be closely aligned with the UN80 reform process and make the humanitarian system fit for purpose without sacrificing the essential work OCHA is doing on humanitarian diplomacy, preparedness and localization.
Thank you.