Türkiye at UN urges civilian protection, warns of double standards

Türkiye's Permanent Representative to the UN Ahmet Yildiz on Wednesday stressed that protecting civilians in armed conflicts is a collective responsibility requiring consistent application of international humanitarian law, warning that selective approaches undermine the credibility of the international legal system.

UN Security Council session

Speaking during an open session of the UN Security Council titled Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict in Hamilton, Canada, Yildiz emphasized that protection of civilians must remain a top priority for the international community. "Selective approaches to international law undermine the credibility of the international legal system and erode confidence in multilateral institutions," he said, adding that double standards in the application of international law cannot be tolerated.

Cyprus atrocities documented

Referring to the eastern Mediterranean island, Yildiz noted that Turkish Cypriots between 1963 and 1964 experienced political exclusion, violence, displacement, and isolation. Atrocities committed against Turkish Cypriot civilians during this period were well documented in UN archives, he stated, underscoring the historical importance of accountability mechanisms.

Middle East crises

Turning to the Middle East, Yildiz said humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip remain dire despite the ceasefire and called for urgent progress toward a two-state solution. On Lebanon, he stressed the importance of preserving the country's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and stability, describing the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire as an important step that should be built upon.

Regarding Syria, Yildiz said the Syrian people now have a historic opportunity to build a future based on safety, dignity, and equal citizenship. He welcomed accountability efforts for crimes committed under the former regime, noting that Türkiye strongly supports international efforts aimed at ensuring accountability and deterring violations of international humanitarian law.

Africa conflicts

Addressing Africa, Yildiz said Sudan's humanitarian crisis remains catastrophic and requires urgent international attention. He reaffirmed Ankara's support for a Libyan-led political dialogue to resolve the protracted conflict in the North African state.