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Armed Conflict: Interpreters

Question for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

UIN HL27, tabled on 17 July 2024

To ask His Majesty's Government what progress has been made towards a UN Security Council Resolution on the protection of civilian interpreters working in conflict zones.

Answered on

31 July 2024

The UK co-sponsored UN Security Council Resolution 2730 adopted during protection of civilians week in May 2024 which reaffirms parties' obligations under international law to protect all humanitarian personnel as well as humanitarian premises and assets. This includes civilian interpreters working in conflict zones.

The resolution highlights the critical role of national and locally recruited humanitarian personnel in conducting humanitarian activities during armed conflict and the risks they face. It also establishes a regular reporting mechanism to highlight the safety and security of all humanitarian personnel at the Security Council and provide recommendations on measures to protect and enhance the safety and security of humanitarian personnel and ensure accountability.