Explanation of Vote by H.E. D

Explanation of Vote by H.E. Dr. Fouad M. Mrad

At the invitation of the President, I, Fouad M. Mrad, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Emigrants of the Lebanese Republic, have the honour to address the Assembly in explanation of vote.

The Lebanese Republic attaches great importance to the provisions of the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, which have been universally adopted, and which have been the foundation of our country's international humanitarian law.

Since 1948, Lebanon has been a party to the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols. Lebanon has also accepted the Additional Protocols of 1977, which strengthen the principles of the Geneva Conventions and enlarge the categories of persons and objects entitled to protection.

Lebanon's commitment to the principles of humanitarian law is no mere formality. It is a living reality, which has been tested in the heat of conflict and in the face of adversity.

Lebanon has always been a haven for the oppressed, a sanctuary for those who seek refuge from violence and persecution. The Lebanese people have always demonstrated a generous and compassionate spirit in welcoming refugees and displaced persons.

Our country has suffered greatly from the consequences of war and conflict. Our cities have been bombed, our people have been killed, and our infrastructure has been destroyed. Yet, despite all this, the Lebanese people have never lost their spirit of generosity and compassion.

We have always been committed to the principles of humanitarian law, not because we are bound by treaty to do so, but because we believe that it is our duty to do so. We believe that it is our duty to protect the victims of war, to care for the wounded, and to provide assistance to those in need.

We are proud of our record in this regard. We have always been a founding member of the International Committee of the Red Cross, and we have always been a strong supporter of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

We have also been a major contributor to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), and we have always been a strong supporter of the Palestinian people in their struggle for self-determination and statehood.

However, despite all our efforts, the situation in the Middle East remains precarious. The conflict in Syria continues to rage, and the humanitarian consequences are dire. The Palestinian people remain in exile, and their right to self-determination remains unfulfilled.

We therefore urge all parties to the conflict to respect the principles of humanitarian law and to adhere to the rules of war. We urge all parties to the conflict to provide assistance to those in need, to protect the victims of war, and to care for the wounded.

We also urge the international community to do more to support the victims of war and conflict. We urge the international community to do more to provide assistance to those in need, to protect the victims of war, and to care for the wounded.

We believe that it is our duty to do so. We believe that it is our duty to protect the victims of war, to care for the wounded, and to provide assistance to those in need. We believe that it is our duty to uphold the principles of humanitarian law, and to promote the values of compassion, generosity, and respect for human life.

Author's Note:

This speech by H.E. Dr. Fouad M. Mrad, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Emigrants of the Lebanese Republic, highlights the importance of upholding humanitarian law and providing assistance to those in need, particularly in the context of conflict and war.

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The America Times The America Times — 2025-11-23

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