Press Briefing on A Call to Action for International Humanitarian Law and Protection of Civilians

Pascale Baeriswyl, Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the United Nations, briefs reporters on "A Call to Action for International Humanitarian Law and the Protection of Civilians".

With her are representatives of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and Centre for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC).

Standing at the press briefing area were 75-year-old chairs symbolizing "the seat of duty". The gesture emphasizes the Security Council's unique role as custodian of international peace and security, responsible for upholding and promoting international humanitarian law and responsible to protect vulnerable groups. Each chair portrays one letter of the message "War has limits" and symbolizes the collective responsibility to uphold international humanitarian law. Empty chairs symbolize the courageous presence of humanitarian workers at the front line, often risking their own safety to provide aid and protection. International humanitarian law is crystal clear: We must protect and respect UN and humanitarian personnel.