UN Debates Rsing Cvilian Toll Amid Global Conflicts

An explosion rocks Beirut, Lebanon. In 2024, the country was among those reporting high civilian casualties from conflict. UNICEF/Dar Al Mussawir

At the annual open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, held as part of Protection of Civilians (PoC) Week 2025, UN Security Council members raised alarm over the sharp rise in civilian casualties across conflict zones, with more than 36,000 deaths recorded last year in 14 active war zones. The session featured strong appeals from top UN officials and Member States, urging compliance with international humanitarian law and greater protection for non-combatants.

UN relief chief Tom Fletcher and UN Women head Sima Bahous briefed the Council, highlighting how modern warfare—marked by the use of heavy weapons and autonomous killing machines—has exacerbated threats to civilians in places like Gaza, Sudan, Myanmar, Lebanon, and Ukraine.

United States: Unprecedented Levels of Civilian Suffering

Acting U.S. Representative Dorothy Shea condemned the scale of humanitarian suffering in Sudan, calling it the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. She emphasised the devastating toll of the Ukraine conflict and criticised Hamas for endangering Palestinian civilians. She urged immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and consequences for those violating sanctions and arms embargoes.

Pakistan: Disinformation Now a Weapon of War

Pakistani Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad warned about the growing use of disinformation—often fuelled by AI—as a weapon, endangering civilians and undermining humanitarian work. He called for better protection for journalists, aid workers, and UN staff.

United Kingdom: A Chilling Reflection of Failure

UK Ambassador James Kariuki described the UN's latest civilian protection report as a grim indictment of global inaction. He cited the return of famine in Sudan, casualties in Gaza, and ongoing attacks in Ukraine. He called on the Council to close the gap between international legal obligations and on-the-ground realities.

France: We Cannot Remain Indifferent

French Ambassador Jérôme Bonnafont decried humanitarian tragedies in Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, and beyond. He said France refuses to stand idle and called on the Security Council to uphold the UN Charter’s mandates and reaffirm international law to protect civilians.

Slovenia: Act Before More Lives Are Lost

Slovenian Deputy Foreign Minister Melita Gabrič said civilians—particularly women, children and the elderly—bear the brunt of armed conflicts. She urged collective international action to turn words into deeds.

Greece: Human Dignity in Crisis

Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis said the current global situation marks one of the most critical periods since WWII, citing dire conditions in Gaza and widespread violations of humanitarian law worldwide.

NGO Voices: Protecting Children is Foundational

Save the Children’s President, Janti Soeripto, told the Council that over one in six children now live in conflict zones and face unprecedented violence. She described this as an “assault on the values of humanity,” urging Member States to protect children as a core duty.

Journalists at Risk

Amid growing dangers for media professionals, Lebanese photojournalist Christina Assi, injured in the Hezbollah-Israel conflict, said press vests now make journalists targets, turning their work into a death sentence.

With conflict zones growing and attacks on civilians mounting, Member States agreed that protecting civilians is not only a legal obligation but a moral imperative—yet translating that commitment into action remains the challenge.