China calls for the safety of international social security humanitarian workers and UN personnel.

UNITED NATIONS, April 8 (Xinhua) -- Sun Lei, China's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, stated at an open meeting of the Security Council on April 8 regarding the protection of the safety of humanitarian workers and UN personnel that the international community should unite and take strong action to ensure the safety of humanitarian workers and UN personnel.

  Sun Lei said that currently, the world is rife with conflict, with tense situations in the Middle East, Lebanon, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and other regions, leaving countless civilians displaced and shrouded in the shadow of war and disaster. Humanitarian workers build bridges of life in conflict zones, and UN and peacekeeping personnel do their utmost to protect civilians, even sacrificing their lives. Tragically, humanitarian workers and UN personnel are frequently attacked in conflicts.

  Sun Lei emphasized that humanitarian workers and UN personnel must not be targets of military operations, and humanitarian aid must not be deliberately weaponized. These are universally recognized fundamental principles of international humanitarian law, which cannot be challenged in any way. Any act that violates international humanitarian law must be severely punished and must not be tolerated.

  Sun Lei stated that for some time now, the United Nations and its agencies have been subjected to systematic smear campaigns and attacks, severely hindering their normal functioning and damaging the UN's authority and role. The work of the UN should be respected and supported, and the privileges and immunities of UN agencies and personnel must be guaranteed. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), authorized by a UN General Assembly resolution, is the lifeline for Palestinian refugees. However, more than 390 UNRWA staff members have been killed in Gaza, its activities in East Jerusalem have been forcibly shut down, and its facilities have been forcibly demolished. China firmly opposes this. Israel must fulfill its international legal obligations as an occupying power and cease its attacks and suppression of UNRWA.

  Sun Lei stated that the China-UN Peace and Development Fund supports the Department of Security and Safety in conducting multiple crisis management training courses, helping the Secretariat enhance its emergency response capabilities and better protect personnel safety. China, together with Brazil, Jordan, Kazakhstan, South Africa, and the International Committee of the Red Cross, launched the International Humanitarian Law Initiative, hoping to revitalize the international community's firm commitment to international humanitarian law. China calls on more countries to join this initiative to jointly promote the observance and implementation of international humanitarian law. China has always been a staunch supporter and active contributor to international peace and humanitarian causes, and is willing to work with all parties to continue to make unremitting efforts to protect the safety of humanitarian workers and UN personnel.