Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
UNITED NATIONS, May 16 (Xinhua) — China’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Geng Shuang on Thursday called on the international community to step up efforts to resolve the issue of persons missing in armed conflicts and fully implement relevant Security Council resolutions.
Speaking at a Security Council briefing, the diplomat said that searching for missing persons is an important aspect of protecting civilians during armed conflict. Although the Security Council adopted Resolution 2474 in 2019, progress in its implementation remains insufficient, he added.
Citing data from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Geng Shuang noted that more than 56,000 new cases of missing people were registered worldwide in 2024, the highest annual increase in the past 20 years.
He drew attention to several conflict zones. In the Gaza Strip, more than 50,000 people have died in 19 months of fighting, with mass graves discovered and many still missing. In Sudan, more than 11.6 million people have been displaced, and the ICRC has registered more than 7,700 missing. In South Sudan, almost 100 aid workers have been killed and many more are missing. In Haiti, where gang violence is widespread, people often go missing, especially women and children.
“The international community must support the affected countries in resolving the issue of missing persons and help each affected family find answers and solace,” the diplomat said, calling on the conflicting parties to comply with international humanitarian law. He also stressed the need to focus on conflict prevention and resolution and the importance of international support for the affected countries.
China supports the ICRC and other international organizations that operate in accordance with the principles of neutrality and independence, Geng Shuang stressed.
“China remains committed to working with the international community to advance the implementation of Resolution 2474 and make unremitting efforts to resolve the issue of persons missing in armed conflicts,” he assured. –0–