Sierra Leone’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Security Council, Dr. Michael Imran Kanu, paid tribute to Gaza during the council’s monthly briefing on the Middle East Palestine question on August 22, 2024. He acknowledged the tireless efforts of humanitarian personnel, including the UNRWA, in providing aid to vulnerable populations in the Gaza Strip under challenging circumstances.
Dr. Kanu recognized the significance of August as the world observed the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions and World Humanitarian Day. He reflected on the devastating toll of the conflict in Gaza, citing the death toll of over 40,000 civilians, 289 humanitarian aid workers, and 92,743 injured persons since October 7, 2023. This adds to the 1,200 killed during the October 7th attacks.
The Ambassador emphasized the need for the council to continue insisting that the unjustifiable and unacceptable toll and scale of the conflict cannot be normalized. He urged representatives to put a human face to those killed, citing reports of entire Palestinian families killed by Israeli strikes in Gaza. Dr. Kanu also highlighted the blatant disregard for international humanitarian law.
Dr. Kanu recalled the statement of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which noted that the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions reminds us that wars must have limits and that respect for human dignity and compassion must always guide our actions.
In conclusion, Dr. Kanu’s tribute to Gaza serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of the conflict on civilians and the importance of upholding international humanitarian law. His words echo the need for continued efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and promote a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
