Hanoi (VNA) - Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, headof the Vietnamese mission to the UN, called for the compliance withinternational humanitarian law, including duties related to environmentalprotection, at the UN Security Council (UNSC)’s open debate held on September17.

The ministerial-level debate on the humanitarian effects ofenvironmental degradation on peace and security, one of the signature events ofNiger’s presidency this month, focused on the Sahel region and the Lake ChadBasin, with participants encouraged to broaden the geographical scope of thediscussion.

In his speech at the function, Quy stated it is necessary tocomprehensively address humanitarian and security effects of climate change andenvironmental degradation.

The ambassador also called for increasing support forconflicted, post-conflict, and underdeveloped countries, and developing smallisland nations, highlighting a need to boost people’s resilience and adaptivecapacity against climate change impacts.

He said the UNSC should be informed frequently on theeffects of environmental degradation and climate change on international peaceand security.

President of the International Committee of the Red Cross PeterMaurer said “from the Sahel and Lake Chad region to warzones around the globe,millions are suffering on the front lines of environmental degradation, climatechange and conflict”.

He noted building and protecting resilient communities fromviolence is “critical”.

Executive Secretary of the UN Convention to CombatDesertification (UNCCD) Ibrahim Thiaw reported that the causes of the linkbetween the degradation and peace-security are vary, including increasingdemand for natural resources and weak management.

He highlighted the importance of a comprehensive solution toadjusting socio-economic system, enhancing environment and conflict managementcapacity.

A number of participating nations, including Vietnam,underscored the inclusion of climate change and degradation impacts insolutions for peace, security and humanitarian./.