Policy Brief: Protecting the Environment is Protecting Civilians

On 21 May, the UN Security Council will hold its annual debate on the Protection of Civilians (PoC) in armed conflict, during which Member States will reflect on the Secretary-General’s 2024 PoC report. For the sixth consecutive year, this report will include references to the direct and indirect environmental impacts of conflict on human security and health, including through the report’s priority focus this year on the 25th anniversary of the very first protection mandate in UNSCR 1265 (1999).