STATEMENT BY MR NATHANIEL KHNG, MINISTER-COUNSELLOR (LEGAL), PERMANENT MISSION OF THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE TO THE UNITED NATIONS, ON AGENDA ITEM 81, ON THE STATUS OF THE PROTOCOLS ADDITIONAL TO THE GENEVA CONVENTIONS OF 1949 AND RELATING TO THE PROTECTION OF VICTIMS OF ARMED CONFLICT, SIXTH COMMITTEE, 6 NOVEMBER 2024

Thank you, Mr Chair,

1 Singapore thanks the Secretary-General for his past reports for this agenda item.  

2 The importance of the Geneva Conventions cannot be overstated.  Even as the international community tries to avoid armed conflicts as far as possible, the obligations outlined in the Geneva Conventions become crucial when faced with the reality of an armed conflict.  Parties to armed conflicts must comply fully with the universal obligations under the Geneva Conventions, principally to advance the protection of protected persons such as civilians and non-combatants, and to minimise human suffering.

3 Singapore expresses our full support for the Geneva Conventions and international humanitarian law.  We acceded to the Geneva Conventions in 1973, merely eight years following Singapore’s independence in 1965, and quickly enacted the Geneva Conventions Act within that same year to give effect to the Geneva Conventions.  In 2008, we ratified Additional Protocol III to the Geneva Conventions.  Earlier this year, in March, Singapore became a High Contracting Party to the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons, as part of our steadfast commitment towards upholding international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians. 

4 States also have a responsibility in disseminating knowledge and raising awareness on the Geneva Conventions and international humanitarian law. In this regard, the Singapore Armed Forces ensures that our servicemen and servicewomen are sensitised, and educated, on the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law.  We were honoured to have had the opportunity at the recent 34th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent to share with States the steps taken by the Singapore Armed Forces to uphold international humanitarian law.

Mr Chair,

5 As we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions this year, Singapore is encouraged by the support expressed by States for the 34th International Conference that just concluded.  Singapore looks forward to working with States and others, including the International Committee of the Red Cross, on promoting the development and implementation of international humanitarian law. 

6 Thank you, Mr Chair.
   

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