Joint Nordic Statement: The Protection of Victims of Armed Conflicts
Joint Nordic Statement delivered by Ms. Kristine Erlandsson, Counsellor,
at the Permanent Mission of Sweden to the United Nations
General Assembly, Eighty-first Session
Agenda item: “Status of the Protocols Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and relating to the protection of victims of armed conflicts”
16 October 2026
Mr./ Madam Chair,
I have the honor to speak on behalf of the five Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and my own country Sweden.
The Nordic countries would like to welcome the Report of the Secretary-General (A/81/290) on the status of the Protocols Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and relating to the protection of victims of armed conflicts, and the useful update it provides. The universalization and full implementation of the Geneva Conventions and their additional protocols is central to ensuring compliance.
Mr./ Madam Chair,
Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the first two Protocols Additional to the Geneva Conventions. The Additional Protocols further strengthened the protection of the victims of war, and we call today on those States that have not yet ratified the Additional Protocols to do so. Implementing, respecting and ensuring respect for the Additional Protocols is as important as ever. We are experiencing a sharp rise in both the number of active armed conflicts across the globe as well as the number of civilians affected. Civilians, and in particular women, children and persons with disabilities, are disproportionally suffering the grave consequences of violations of international humanitarian law. The need to strengthen efforts to protect civilians has thus never been more urgent. Let us take the 50th anniversary of the Additional Protocols as an imperative to amplify our efforts to collectively work towards strict adherence to our international humanitarian law obligations.
The Nordic countries commend the ICRC and the six founding states behind the Global IHL Initiative. The Nordic countries have actively engaged in the Initiative. In a world with increasing numbers of armed conflicts, the Global IHL Initiative is a vital contribution to galvanizing political commitment to and restoring respect for international humanitarian law. One example is the focus in Workstream 3 on implementation of IHL as an important factor in order to reestablish peace and security. Another example is the measures proposed in Workstreams 4 and 5 to help protect civilian infrastructure and hospitals and medical units, and to keep them operating under the most challenging and adverse conditions. We also value the important reminder in Workstream 6 that international law, including international humanitarian law, applies in cyberspace, as it does elsewhere.
Mr./ Madam Chair,
The unique mandate of the International Committee of the Red Cross in armed conflict is more needed than ever. We must do what we can to safeguard that the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, as well as other humanitarian organisations, are able to deliver support in a neutral, impartial and independent way.
It is also crucial to ensure that journalists have access to conflict zones, that they are protected, not attacked, and that they can share information independently. Shutting down internet and hindering and threatening members of the press from reporting is completely unacceptable. We are deeply concerned by the risks journalists must endure to uphold the freedom of the press. We commend these journalists, who on a daily basis defy threats and violence for our right to impartial information.
Mr./Madam Chair,
Persons of different genders can be affected by armed conflict in different ways. This influences their needs and perspectives in situations of armed conflict. Gendered impacts of armed conflict also often coincide with and may be enforced by other factors, such as age or disability. Promoting practices that take account of these differences in order to safeguard adequate protection for all, independently of a person’s gender, is key.
When it comes to occupation, international humanitarian law is clear: Occupying Powers must ensure the safety and welfare of the civilian population in the territories they occupy. Occupying Powers must also respect the fact that occupation, by its nature, is a temporary situation, and that they are obligated to preserve the status quo ante in the occupied territory. International law is also clear in that occupation cannot serve as a lawful basis for territorial acquisition. Thus, an Occupying Power does not acquire sovereignty over occupied territory, and attempts to annex occupied territory are both unlawful and without legal validity.
Serious violations of international humanitarian law must be investigated and those responsible held to account. Accountability is essential, both to provide victims with justice and redress, and to prevent and deter future violations. These efforts should primarily be pursued at the domestic level. Where appropriate, the international community can and should support national efforts through financial or in-kind assistance. When states are unwilling or unable, accountability can be achieved through the exercise of jurisdiction by other states, including through universal jurisdiction, or through the ICC.
Mr./Madam Chair,
Let me lastly mention the Nordic Governments’ long engagement in issues concerning protection of the environment in armed conflicts. Armed conflicts may cause serious damage to the environment and have severe and long-lasting consequences to the nature and to populations that depend on it. Environmental effects of armed conflict also continue to be felt in its aftermath, and timely action to address them may prevent greater harm and facilitate the transition to a sustainable peace. Protection of the environment is thus necessary to effectively protect civilians in times of armed conflict. In addition, awareness of how international law protects the environment in areas affected by armed conflict is a must.
Thank you.