Global humanitarian challenges and armed violence

Culture event Strange News and debate on global humanitarian challenges and armed violence

 

Address by Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, held by Ambassador Turid Bertelsen Rodrigues Eusebio.

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Good evening,

·         First of all, I would like to thank Christian Eggen and the members of the Petrobras Symphony Orchestra for this deeply moving performance. Special thanks to Arthur Kisenyi, who has come all the way from Uganda for this event, and to the composer, Rolf Wallin, who has also been performing the live electronics tonight.

·         The musical drama that we just witnessed is a brutal reminder of one of the most serious consequences of today’s conflicts and other situations of armed violence: the effects on young people.

·         It is a reminder that one of our main priorities must be to stop the recruitment of children and young people to militias and criminal gangs.

·         I know that there are people here – both on the podium with me and in the audience – who are doing exactly that: You are preventing and addressing the human suffering caused by armed violence. Both locally in your own communities, and at global level by contributing to international policies and efforts to address this humanitarian challenge.

·         In this short introduction, I will talk about the importance of respect for humanitarian principles, and how these principles are relevant when addressing armed violence. The point of departure must always be to put people first.  

·         When life cannot go on as normal because of threats to people’s security - whether from natural disasters, conflict or other situations of violence - the economic, social and humanitarian consequences are huge. 

·         States, the UN, international organisations and NGOs are working in partnership to strengthen security and respond to people’s needs in humanitarian crises. And these efforts are based on principles and norms that have been developed internationally, drawing on philosophies, ethics, laws and strategies developed by many great civilisations, from ancient to modern times. However, there is a need to emphasise the implementation of, and respect for, these norms. The continuing violations of international humanitarian law are of grave concern.

·         Norway, together with other partners, has taken the initiative to facilitate an international dialogue – aiming at strengthening the implementation of international human rights law in today’s armed conflicts – and reclaim the protection of civilians.

·         In recent years, humanitarian issues have gained an increasingly important place in international politics. Humanitarian crises are more frequently addressed in the UN Security Council. Serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law have led to stronger focus on protecting civilians and displaced persons, for example in Darfur, DR Congo and Afghanistan. And the terrible human suffering caused by natural disasters is transmitted live through the media.

·         Nevertheless, we still need to insist on the relevance and protection of the international humanitarian principles. Humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence are the foundation of humanitarian action on the ground. Humanitarian action is about helping people in need, regardless of political or other factors. Humanitarian efforts are founded on respect for universal human rights. Everyone in need is entitled to the help and assistance they need.

·         In some respects, these principles have been challenged over the last years. For example, the principle of humanitarian access to all civilians irrespective of circumstances has been contested by certain states and armed groups. For humanitarian operations to be effective, they need to be accepted by all parties, and they need to be able to reach the people that are affected. The role of neutral and impartial organisations, like the ICRC, is needed more than ever. Insisting on the relevance of the humanitarian principles and supporting the mandate of humanitarian organisations creates an enabling environment for putting people first.

·         I firmly believe that it is the situation in affected communities that must guide our multilateral responses. In that vein, the Norwegian Government has developed a strong and comprehensive approach to humanitarian disarmament, which entails the recognition that disarmament is a humanitarian and developmental imperative, not simply a security issue.

·         Our engagement in the fields of landmines, cluster munitions, small arms and other related areas is motivated by the unacceptable harm to civilians caused by the use of these weapons. Disarmament is vital if we are to meet human rights obligations, ensure development and respond successfully to humanitarian disasters. And armed violence caused by conventional weapons is an important part of this picture. It is a global problem that cuts across all levels of development.

·         Multilateral responses to armed violence include processes and initiatives where both our countries are active, such as the Geneva Declaration on Armed Violence, the negotiations on an Arms Trade Treaty and the Oslo Commitments on Armed Violence.

·         As a global power in world affairs, Brazil is shouldering its responsibility and engaging in issues of global concern – including security, peacekeeping, and development and humanitarian policies and assistance.

·         Brazil, and the city of Rio in particular, has first-hand experience of addressing the issue of armed violence, and developing targeted and effective responses to the tough realities faced by many children and young people. This is partly a result of a partnership between the Government and a vibrant civil society. Although responses must be adapted to local circumstances in order to be effective, I believe there is a lot the world can learn from this partnership and the experience you have gained from addressing armed violence in your society. Our starting point must always be to put people first, particularly those who are directly affected: the survivors, the victims, those that have to endure armed violence in their everyday lives.