Statement by Deputy Permanent Representative Gennady Kuzmin at the Security Council meeting after Security Council vote on draft resolution S/2019/503
Mr. President,
Russia voted in favor of the draft resolution we had before us today, because we share humanistic principles and tasks to alleviate the plight of persons with disabilities in conflict and protect them that are contained in the document.
However, we have to point out that a number of resolution’s provisions go beyond the framework of the mandate of the Security Council. We proceed from the assumption that the call that is part of operative paragraph 11 to observe provisions of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities relates only to Article 11 of the convention that tackles situations that are included in the Security Council mandate.
We assume that action to protect the vulnerable groups should be carried out in compliance with the principle of “labor division” that has been well established in the UN system. We are convinced that truly constructive efforts to protect people with disabilities are possible only when each and every body and mechanism address this issue in full compliance with their mandate.
Russia proceeds from the assumption that item 10 of the operative part will be applied without prejudice to Security Council working methods according to the provisional rules of procedure.
We firmly uphold our position that all social groups should be equally protected during armed conflict as stipulated by the international law. Specific needs of one category of population should not come at the cost of and with prejudice to another category.
We should not invent any new international legal concepts that are allegedly aimed to fill “gaps” in the protection regime established by the Geneva Conventions. Do not get too preoccupied with devising new categories of individuals who should need specific protection under the international humanitarian law. In practical terms, such ideas can only loosen protection that is provided to civilians. The task of the Security Council is to focus on practical work to protect civilians in the framework of existing international legal norms and of its effective mandate.
Thank you.
