Jordan calls for clear evacuation guidelines at Security Council session

AMMAN — Jordan on Tuesday participated in a session organised by the UN Security Council and presided over by the President of the Swiss Confederation, Alain Berset. 

The session focused on the crucial issue of safeguarding civilians during armed conflicts, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

During the session, Jordan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Mahmoud Hmoud, delivered the Kingdom's statement, in which he stressed the need for the Security Council and other UN entities to establish clear guidelines to ensure the safe evacuation of UN personnel in response to the outbreak of hostilities. 

He added that it is essential that such evacuations are conducted in a manner that prioritises the protection and well-being of civilians.

In his address, Hmoud strongly condemned the illegal policies and measures implemented by the Israeli occupation in the occupied Palestinian territories, which directly harm the civilian population, vital civilian infrastructure and the environment.

He highlighted Israel's illicit exploitation of water resources, emphasising that all parties involved in the conflict bear the responsibility of upholding the principles of international humanitarian law that governs the protection of civilians, civilian property and the environment.

The ambassador also emphasised that when the safety of citizens and civilian property is under threat, it is the obligation of the Security Council to take the necessary action, as the council holds the power to ensure the well-being and security of vulnerable populations in conflict-affected areas.

The debate session, which lasted for 11 hours and concluded at dawn on Wednesday, saw the participation of numerous representatives, with over 90 speeches delivered on the topic.