S/RES/2474 (2019)
as a thematic issue; and acknowledging the enduring need for the Security Council
and Member States to strengthen further the protection of civilians in armed conflict,
Urging States which have not yet done so to consider becoming parties to
Additional Protocols I and II of 1977 to the Geneva Conventions at the earliest
possible date,
Reaffirming that parties to armed conflict bear the primary responsibility to take
all feasible steps to ensure the protection of civilians and recalls that States bear the
primary responsibility to respect and ensure the human rights of all individuals within
their territory and subject to their jurisdiction, as provided for by relevant
international law,
Stressing the important contribution of measures to prevent persons from going
missing as a result of armed conflict, including, inter alia; enacting national
legislation, ensuring detainee registration, providing appropriate training for armed
forces, producing and providing proper means of identification, including for
members of armed forces, the establishment of national information bureaus upon the
outbreak of an armed conflict, grave registration services and registers of deaths and
ensuring accountability as appropriate in cases of missing persons,
Cognizant of the great scientific and technological progress which has
significantly increased the efficacy of the search for and identification of missing
persons including through, inter alia; forensic sciences, DNA analysis, satellite maps
and imagery, and ground penetrating radar,
Emphasizing the importance of the principles of humanity, neutrality,
impartiality and independence in the provision of humanitarian assistance and
reaffirming also the need for actors engaged in the provision of such assistance in
situations of armed conflict to promote and fully respect these principles; and recalls,
in this regard, the statement of its President of 9 March 2000 ( S/PRST/2000/7),
Reiterating strong support for the efforts of the international organizations, in
particular, International Committee of the Red Cross in addressing the issue of
missing persons, consistent with the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their
Additional Protocols of 1977, and appreciating the work of the national, regional and
international organizations and mechanisms in this field,
Expressing its concern about the dramatic increase in persons reported missing
as a result of armed conflict, which entails consequences for the missing persons
themselves and for their families, especially women and children, and communities
in the immediate and long-term, and reaffirming in this regard the importance of
allowing families to know the fate and whereabouts of their missing relatives,
consistent with applicable international humanitarian law, which is of crucial
humanitarian importance,
Recognizing that it is critical for States to address the issue holistically, from
prevention to tracing the location, identifying missing persons and returning human
remains to their families, without adverse distinction, that informed and early acti on
is crucial for addressing cases of missing persons in an effective and credible manner,
and that the manner in which these cases are addressed affects relations between
parties to armed conflict and efforts to resolve conflicts,
Recognizing the importance of truth, justice and accountability in efforts
towards reconciliation and the peaceful settlement of conflicts, and the end of
impunity,
Acknowledging that full and timely support for humanitarian components can
be critical in ensuring and enhancing the sustainability of any peace agreement and
post-conflict peacebuilding and emphasizes the importance of inclusion of
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