UN relief chief urges world leaders to "forge a path away from narrow interests"

Widespread destruction in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip April 2024. Photo: OCHA/Themba Linden.

OCHA's Under Secretary-General Martin Griffiths called on world leaders to “forge a path away from narrow interests” towards a future of protection for all at the opening of the Protection of Civilians (PoC) week.

He said, “it is vital to go above and beyond compliance [with international humanitarian and human rights law]: to strive for the full protection of civilians against the full range of harms.”

PoC week, now in its seventh edition, began yesterday (20 May) and will run until 24 May with 17 side events to amplify the voices of civilians affected by armed conflict.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Security Council’s consideration of the protection of civilians as an item on its agenda and the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Convention.

PoC Week is an OCHA-led initiative, with Switzerland, the Center for Civilians in Conflict and the International Rescue Committee as co-coordinators.

For more information, visit PoC Week 2024.