New York (GNP): Pakistan’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations has highlighted the importance of civilian protection, humanitarian access, accountability and compliance with international law during an Arria Formula meeting at UN Headquarters.
According to the mission’s public statement, the meeting brought together briefings from representatives of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Peace Institute (IPI), and the World Forum for Peace and Justice.
The discussion focused on the humanitarian consequences associated with non-compliance with international law and examined the need to strengthen safeguards for civilians affected by armed conflict and humanitarian crises.
The Pakistani mission said the briefings underscored the importance of strengthening civilian protection while ensuring humanitarian actors can reach populations in need.
It also highlighted accountability and the implementation of international legal obligations as key elements of the broader international response.
Arria Formula meetings provide a setting for UN Security Council members and other participants to engage with representatives of civil society, international organisations and experts on issues relevant to international peace and security.
They are generally informal and can provide an opportunity for perspectives and expertise beyond formal Council proceedings. The meeting’s emphasis on humanitarian concerns comes amid continued international discussions over the protection of civilians in armed conflicts.
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The Security Council has previously addressed civilian protection through thematic meetings and resolutions, including measures concerning humanitarian access and the protection of civilian infrastructure.
Security Council Report has noted that international humanitarian law places particular importance on protecting civilians and civilian objects during armed conflict.
Pakistan’s mission used the meeting to draw attention to the relationship between respect for international law and humanitarian outcomes. Its statement stressed that compliance with international legal obligations is important for strengthening civilian protection, facilitating humanitarian assistance and supporting accountability.
Humanitarian access remains a recurring issue in UN discussions, particularly where conflict restricts the delivery of food, medical supplies, shelter and other essential assistance. International organisations, including OCHA and the ICRC, regularly contribute expertise to discussions concerning humanitarian needs and the protection of people affected by armed conflict.
The participation of multiple international organisations and policy institutes at the Arria Formula meeting reflects the broader effort to bring humanitarian and legal perspectives into discussions on international peace and security.
For Pakistan, the meeting also provided an opportunity to present its position on the importance of upholding international law and reinforcing mechanisms designed to protect civilians.
The mission’s statement called for stronger attention to humanitarian access, accountability and implementation of legal obligations.
The discussion forms part of wider UN efforts to address the humanitarian impact of armed conflicts and promote adherence to international law.
Previous Arria Formula meetings have examined issues ranging from protection of civilians and humanitarian assistance to safeguarding essential infrastructure during conflict.
Pakistan’s Permanent Mission said the meeting highlighted the need for continued international engagement on civilian protection and humanitarian issues, emphasizing the importance of translating international legal obligations into effective protection and assistance for affected populations.
