Presidential Statement nº S/PRST/2000/1 of the United Nations Security Council

• Issuer: Security Council of the United Nation

UNITEDUNITED S

NATIONSNATIONS

Security Council Distr.

GENERAL

S/PRST/2000/1

13 January 2000

ORIGINAL: ENGLISH

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL

At the 4089th meeting of the Security Council, held on 13 January 2000 in

connection with the Council’s consideration of the item entitled "Promoting

peace and security: humanitarian assistance to refugees in Africa", the

President of the Security Council made the following statement on behalf of the

Council:

"The Security Council recalls its previous statements concerning

protection for humanitarian assistance to refugees and others in conflict

situation, the situation in Africa, the protection of civilians in armed

conflict, and the role of the Security Council in the prevention of armed

conflicts. The Council further recalls its previous relevant resolutions,

as well as relevant resolutions of the General Assembly.

"Bearing in mind its primary responsibility under the Charter of the

United Nations for the maintenance of international peace and security, the

Security Council underlines the importance of taking measures aimed at

conflict prevention and resolution in Africa. The Council stresses the

need to address the root causes of armed conflict in a comprehensive manner

in order to prevent those circumstances which lead to internal displacement

and the outflow of refugees. The Council notes with concern that the

majority of refugees, returnees and internally displaced persons and others

affected by conflict are women and children and stresses the need to

intensify efforts to meet their special protection needs, including their

vulnerability to violence, exploitation and disease, including HIV-AIDS.

The Council underlines the obligation of all Member States to seek to

settle their international disputes by peaceful means. The Council

condemns the deliberate targeting of civilians and practices of forced

displacement. The Council reaffirms its commitment to the principles of

the political independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of all

States. The Council emphasizes that national authorities have the primary

duty and responsibility to provide protection and humanitarian assistance

to internally displaced persons within their jurisdiction. The Council

reaffirms the obligation of States to prevent arbitrary displacement in

situations of armed conflict, and reaffirms as well their responsibility to

meet the protection and assistance needs of internally displaced persons

within their jurisdiction.

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