Statement by Ambassador , UK Permanent
Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on
the protection of civilians in armed conflict.
I will make three points.
First, as we've heard, the impact of those missing in conflict is
lasting and devastating with families forced to live without
knowledge of the fate of their loved ones.
As we've heard, the ICRC registered 56,000 new cases of missing
persons in 2024 alone.
The United Kingdom supported the adoption of UN Security Council
resolution 2474.
This requires parties to armed conflict to help reunite and
reconnect separated families, to collect and protect information
on missing persons, and to return remains to relatives.
Yet in too many cases these requirements have not been
fulfilled.
As Ms Lee made clear, despite decades passing, DPRK has still not
shared information about those it abducted with their families.
It is critical that all parties and stakeholders comply with
resolution 2474 and IHL provisions, and that the ICRC and
relevant actors are granted access to information on persons
reported missing and to those detained or taken hostage.
Second, conflicts around the world continue to tear people away
from their loved ones.
This includes in Ukraine, where thousands remain missing,
including tens of thousands of children forcibly deported to
Russia.
In Syria, over 130,000 people remain missing, and we welcome the
new Syrian Government's commitment to establish a national
commission to clarify their fate.
Third, I want also to highlight the unimaginable ordeal faced by
hostages held by Hamas.
This Council has heard first-hand from former hostages Eli
Sharabi and Noa Argamani of the cruel and dehumanising treatment
they were subjected to.
Hamas must be held accountable for its despicable actions.
We welcome the release of Edan Alexander who was reunited with
his family this week. But as we heard from Ms Chen today, many
more families continue to wait in agony.
This also includes the families of Avinatan Or, Yossi Sharabi,
and Shay Levinson, who have strong links to the UK.
President, a ceasefire in Gaza is the best way to bring the
hostages home, end the suffering of Palestinians and bring us
back to much needed peace. Far too many have lost their lives and
been torn away from their families.
No-one should have to suffer this fate, whether in Gaza or
elsewhere in the world.
It is time for the spirit of SCR 2474 to be realised for the sake
of all those who remain missing.
