UN Security Council
2009

and Member States to strengthen further the protection of civilians in armed conflict, Noting further that this year also marks the 60th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions of 1949, which together with their Additional Protocols constitute the basis for the legal framework for the protection of civilians in armed conflict, Recognizing that States bear the primary responsibility to respect and ensure the human rights of their citizens, as well as all individuals within their territory as provided for by relevant international law, Reaffirming that parties to armed conflict bear the primary responsibility to take all feasible steps to ensure the protection of civilians, Reaffirming the relevant provisions of the 2005 World Summit Outcome Document regarding the protection of civilians in armed conflict, including paragraphs 138 and 139 thereof regarding the responsibility to protect populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity, Reiterating its deep regret that civilians continue to account for the vast majority of casualties in situations of armed conflict, * Reissued for technical reasons. 09-60245* (E) *0960245* S/RES/1894 (2009)