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Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Dr. Abdulaziz Alwasil told the Security Council on Wednesday that adherence to international law and the UN Charter represents a fundamental pillar for maintaining international peace and security while protecting civilians during armed conflicts. Alwasil made the remarks in a session dedicated to upholding international law in situations of armed conflict. He called for the protection of civilians, civilian objects, humanitarian workers and medical personnel in all circumstances. The ambassador further stressed the importance of respecting the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of states along with non-interference in their internal affairs.
Alwasil underscored the need to apply international law without selectivity or double standards, according to his statement at the New York meeting. He highlighted that strengthening accountability mechanisms for violations would help consolidate respect for international rules and principles. The envoy pointed to the value of such consistent approaches in reducing tensions across multiple global hotspots. UN documents earlier in 2026 record Saudi Arabia invoking similar principles in letters to the Security Council concerning regional incidents and alleged violations of sovereignty.
The ambassador urged greater emphasis on dialogue and peaceful settlement of disputes as the preferred path forward. He backed expanded support for mediation initiatives aimed at resolving conflicts and limiting their humanitarian and security fallout. Such efforts align with longstanding Saudi positions expressed in prior UN forums, including the General Assembly. Data from UN reports have documented rising civilian casualties in various armed conflicts worldwide over the past decade, reinforcing the urgency of the protections Alwasil addressed.
Alwasil reiterated Saudi Arabia’s ongoing work to advance respect for international humanitarian law and civilian safeguards in conflict zones. The Kingdom has channeled more than $141 billion in aid to 174 countries as part of its commitment to multilateral responses, according to figures cited in its recent UN General Assembly statements. This support extends to humanitarian programs that seek to mitigate the impact of conflicts on vulnerable populations. Saudi correspondence with the UN Security Council throughout 2026 has consistently framed national security measures as compliant with Article 51 of the UN Charter.
The statement arrives against a backdrop of renewed regional tensions, including Houthi drone activity targeting Saudi territory that authorities intercepted near Makkah earlier this week. Saudi Arabia has rejected allegations leveled against it in related UN filings while documenting what it describes as violations of international law by external actors. The envoy’s remarks reinforce a pattern seen in multiple Saudi submissions to the Council, which emphasize de-escalation and adherence to established norms. UN meetings on this theme have occurred regularly, with participants routinely noting gaps in enforcement that exacerbate humanitarian crises.
