Türkiye's UN envoy has stressed that protecting civilians in armed conflicts is a collective responsibility, calling for the consistent application of international humanitarian law and urgent attention to crises from Gaza to Sudan.

Speaking during an open session of the UN Security Council, Türkiye's Permanent Representative to the UN Ahmet Yildiz said the issue must remain a top priority.

"Protection of civilians in armed conflict is a shared responsibility and must remain a top priority for the international community," Yildiz said.

Warning against double standards, Yildiz stated that "selective approaches to international law undermine the credibility of the international legal system and erode confidence in multilateral institutions."

Referring to Cyprus, he noted that Turkish Cypriots between 1963 and 1964 "experienced a period marked by political exclusion, violence, displacement, and isolation," adding that atrocities against Turkish Cypriot civilians were "well documented in UN archives."

Focus on regional crises

Turning to the Middle East, Yildiz said humanitarian conditions in Gaza "remain dire" despite the ceasefire and called for progress toward a two-state solution.

On Lebanon, he stressed "the importance of preserving Lebanon's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and stability," describing the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire as "an important step that should be built upon."

Regarding Syria, Yildiz said the Syrian people "now have a historic opportunity to build a future based on safety, dignity, and equal citizenship," while welcoming accountability efforts for crimes committed under the former regime.

Addressing Africa, he said Sudan's humanitarian crisis "remains catastrophic and requires urgent international attention," while reaffirming support for a Libyan-led political dialogue.

"Türkiye strongly supports international efforts aimed at ensuring accountability and deterring violations of international humanitarian law," he said.